Accident- Tragedy struck along the Nyanga–Rwenya Road on Thursday evening when an overloaded Honda Fit lost control, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to ten others. The accident occurred at approximately 5 PM near the 48-kilometre peg, when the compact vehicle, carrying more passengers than its design allows, veered off the road and overturned, landing on its roof.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Honda Fit had 12 occupants, including the driver, at the time of the crash. The incident highlights ongoing concerns over vehicle overloading and road safety, particularly on rural highways where conditions can be unpredictable.
In a statement released by the police, authorities confirmed the fatalities and outlined the response:
“Two fatalities have been confirmed, and ten people sustained injuries after the vehicle lost control and overtured. The deceased have been taken to Nyanga District Hospital for post-mortem examinations, while the injured are receiving treatment at Regina Coeli Mission Hospital,” the ZRP said.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the vehicle appeared heavily burdened, with passengers seated in unsafe positions that compromised the car’s stability. Road safety experts have long warned that overloading small vehicles significantly increases the risk of accidents, especially on hilly and winding roads such as those leading to Nyanga.
“Overloading reduces a vehicle’s ability to manoeuvre, increases stopping distances, and can lead to catastrophic accidents in the event of sudden turns or brakes,” explained a traffic safety analyst. “Drivers must adhere to passenger limits to prevent such tragedies.”
Two Dead, Ten Injured in Overloaded Honda Fit Crash on Nyanga–Rwenya Road Accident
Emergency services were quick to respond, with local community members assisting in the initial rescue of the injured passengers. Several of those hurt were reportedly trapped inside the overturned vehicle, requiring the intervention of the fire brigade to safely extract them.
The injured were transported to Regina Coeli Mission Hospital, where medical personnel worked to stabilise their conditions. Although none of the injuries have been described as life-threatening, hospital officials urged continued caution when travelling on rural routes, noting that accidents in remote areas often face delayed medical response times.
In light of the incident, the ZRP reiterated its call for motorists to observe traffic regulations, particularly regarding vehicle capacity limits. Police spokesperson Inspector Tinashe Mugabe emphasised the importance of safe driving practices and adherence to road safety measures.
“Overloading vehicles is a serious violation that endangers lives. Drivers are urged to respect passenger limits, wear seatbelts where available, and exercise extra caution when navigating rural roads, which often have uneven surfaces and limited visibility,” Inspector Mugabe said.
Road accidents remain a significant public safety concern in Zimbabwe, with authorities reporting hundreds of fatalities annually due to reckless driving, overloading, and poor vehicle maintenance. Small vehicles, while convenient for daily transport, are particularly vulnerable when overloaded, as their structural limits are quickly exceeded.
Government and civic organisations continue to campaign for increased awareness of road safety, focusing on education for drivers and passengers alike. Strategies include community workshops, traffic patrols, and awareness campaigns targeting rural and peri-urban areas where enforcement may be less visible.
The crash has left a profound impact on the local community in Nyanga. Family members of the deceased and injured gathered at the scene and nearby hospitals, expressing shock and grief over the sudden loss and injuries. Community leaders have called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be when road safety measures are ignored. We mourn the loss of two community members and pray for the recovery of the injured,” said a local village head.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the crash, including whether speed, road conditions, or driver error contributed to the accident. The ZRP has indicated that the investigation will inform broader strategies to improve road safety along rural highways.
As Zimbabwe continues to tackle road safety challenges, incidents like the Nyanga–Rwenya crash underline the urgent need for public awareness, strict adherence to vehicle capacity regulations, and vigilance when travelling, particularly in remote and hilly regions.
The community and authorities alike hope that lessons from this accident will prevent future tragedies and save lives on the country’s roads.
Source- ZimEye
