Bulawayo- A tragic road traffic accident in Bulawayo has claimed the life of a pedestrian and left two others seriously injured after they were struck by a trailer that had detached from a moving vehicle. The incident occurred along Plumtree Road in the Belmont industrial area on the afternoon of July 14, 2025, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the incident and launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. In a statement released to the media, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the fatal crash occurred at approximately 1:30 PM.
“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on July 14, 2025, at around 1330 hours along Plumtree Road in Belmont, Bulawayo,” said Commissioner Nyathi. “Three pedestrians were hit by a trailer that became detached from a commuter omnibus. One of the victims unfortunately died from injuries sustained in the accident.”
According to preliminary police reports, the trailer was being towed by a white Mercedes-Benz Sprinter commuter omnibus, which was carrying only one passenger at the time. The vehicle was traveling along Plumtree Road when the trailer suddenly disengaged from its hitch, veered off course, and struck three pedestrians who were walking along the edge of the road.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported a chaotic few moments as the out-of-control trailer hurtled toward the pedestrians without warning. Bystanders rushed to assist the victims and called emergency services. All three were quickly transported to Mpilo Central Hospital by ambulance. Despite the efforts of medical staff, one of the victims later succumbed to their injuries. The two other pedestrians remain in hospital, receiving treatment for serious injuries.
The identities of the deceased and injured individuals have not yet been released by police, pending the notification of their next of kin. Commissioner Nyathi extended condolences to the family of the deceased and called on all road users, particularly public transport operators, to ensure strict adherence to vehicle safety standards.
“This was a preventable tragedy,” he said. “We urge all motorists, especially those towing trailers or other heavy attachments, to make sure their vehicles are properly maintained, roadworthy, and safely secured before embarking on any journey. Failure to do so puts innocent lives at risk.”
Pedestrian Killed, Two Seriously Injured in Tragic Trailer Accident in Bulawayo
Commissioner Nyathi also confirmed that the ZRP’s traffic division has since begun investigations into the cause of the trailer’s disengagement. Key focus areas include mechanical failure, negligence, and possible breaches of transport safety regulations.
Road safety advocates have responded to the incident by calling for more rigorous inspections of public transport vehicles, particularly those operating in urban and peri-urban areas. They argue that overloaded or poorly maintained vehicles remain a persistent problem in Zimbabwe’s public transport sector, contributing to avoidable accidents and fatalities.
“This is not an isolated incident,” said Tinashe Mavhunga, a road safety consultant based in Bulawayo. “We continue to see a worrying pattern where trailers are improperly attached or overloaded, and the consequences are often deadly. Stronger enforcement of vehicle inspection protocols and penalties for negligence are urgently needed.”
Meanwhile, the accident has left many residents in the Belmont area shaken. Plumtree Road is a busy artery that connects Bulawayo with western regions of the country, frequented by heavy vehicles, delivery trucks, and commuter omnibuses. Pedestrians in the area say they often feel unsafe walking along the road due to the absence of proper sidewalks and protective barriers.
Calls have been renewed for the local municipality to prioritize pedestrian safety infrastructure, such as walkways, footbridges, and speed-reducing measures in high-traffic zones.
As the police continue their investigation, authorities have promised to take appropriate action if negligence is proven. The driver of the commuter omnibus has been questioned by police but is not yet facing any formal charges pending the outcome of forensic assessments.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has reiterated its call for public vigilance and responsible road use, particularly as the country continues to witness rising incidents of traffic-related injuries and deaths.
More information is expected to be released once investigations are complete and the families of the victims have been formally informed.
Source- Bulawayo24
