A tragic head-on crash between a Botswana-registered fuel tanker and a Honda Fit early Monday morning claimed two lives and left two others seriously injured along the Bulawayo–Plumtree Road. The devastating crash occurred at approximately 2 AM on a bridge near the Emganwini turn-off, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to Bulawayo Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo, the Honda Fit, which was carrying three people at the time, suddenly veered into the oncoming lane, directly into the path of the fuel tanker. This sudden and ill-fated maneuver resulted in a violent collision with catastrophic consequences.
“The occupants of the Honda Fit were trapped inside the wreckage following the impact,” Mr. Moyo said. “Our rescue team had to work diligently to extricate the passengers. Tragically, two of the occupants died on the spot, while the third suffered severe injuries and was immediately rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for urgent medical care.”
The violent impact caused the tanker to lose control and veer off the road. According to eyewitnesses and rescue personnel, the tanker’s driver and passenger leapt from the moving vehicle just seconds before it caught fire. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, ensuring the pair received prompt medical attention and were transported to Mpilo Central Hospital.
Mr. Moyo confirmed that the tanker was transporting approximately 400 litres of diesel at the time of the crash. During the collision, a significant amount of the fuel spilled onto the roadway, creating a dangerous environment that could have led to further incidents.
Two Dead, Two Seriously Injured in Head-on Crash on Bulawayo–Plumtree Road
By 9 AM, the Bulawayo City Council Fire Department had successfully contained 95 percent of the diesel spill, utilizing Firechem foam liquid concentrate to neutralize the hazard. “Containing the spill quickly was critical to ensuring the safety of other road users and preventing environmental damage,” said Mr. Moyo.
The clean-up operation was extensive, involving two fire brigade vehicles, twelve fire department personnel, a police officer overseeing traffic and security, and a representative from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). The EMA’s presence underscored the environmental risks posed by the diesel spill, particularly concerning soil and water contamination.
Following the initial containment, responders applied salt to the affected area to aid in the clean-up process. However, the salt remains on the site as authorities await formal authorization from the truck’s owner, who is currently traveling from Francistown, Botswana, to oversee the final stages of the operation.
The incident has raised serious concerns about road safety on the Bulawayo–Plumtree highway, a busy transport route that sees frequent movement of heavy commercial vehicles. Many residents and frequent travelers have called for increased safety measures, including improved signage, road maintenance, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent such tragedies.
“This is not the first time we’ve heard of accidents happening on this stretch of road, especially near the Emganwini turn-off,” said a local community leader who requested anonymity. “We urge the authorities to put measures in place that can reduce these incidents and save lives.”
Emergency response teams faced multiple challenges during the rescue and clean-up operations. The timing of the accident, in the early hours of the morning, made visibility poor, complicating rescue efforts. The presence of highly flammable diesel also posed significant risks to both survivors and rescue personnel.
Mr. Moyo commended his team for their swift and coordinated response, which was crucial in preventing the situation from escalating into a larger disaster. “We acted quickly to contain the fire risk posed by the fuel spill and to secure the area to prevent other vehicles from getting involved in secondary accidents,” he stated.
The two survivors—one from the Honda Fit and the other the driver of the fuel tanker—were admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment for serious injuries sustained in the crash. Hospital officials have not released detailed statements about their conditions but have assured the public that the patients are under close observation.
Crashes such as this highlight the urgent need for comprehensive road safety campaigns and infrastructure improvements along major highways in Zimbabwe. Transport experts emphasize the importance of driver awareness, proper vehicle maintenance, and adherence to speed limits, particularly for heavy vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) and other relevant bodies are expected to review the circumstances surrounding this crash in an effort to recommend preventative measures aimed at reducing the risk of future accidents.
The diesel spill also drew attention to environmental protection concerns in the region. Diesel and other petroleum products pose significant hazards to soil quality and water sources, threatening local ecosystems and agricultural land.
The Environmental Management Agency’s involvement in the clean-up operation underscores the importance of protecting the environment even amid emergency responses. Authorities continue to monitor the area to ensure no long-term contamination persists following the spill.
Source- ZimEye
