Accident – Tragedy struck along the Chinhoyi‑Chegutu highway on Thursday when a vehicle slammed violently into the rear of a stationary truck, leaving two dead and two others seriously injured. The accident, which occurred at the 71‑kilometre peg, has sent shockwaves through the local community and serves as yet another grim reminder of the dangers posed by the nation’s busy road network.
According to eyewitness accounts, a Toyota Wish carrying three occupants was travelling along the heavily trafficked route connecting Chinhoyi and Chegutu when the driver, for reasons yet to be determined, collided head‑on with a stationary Howo tipper truck. The truck had reportedly been halted for maintenance or unloading, though police investigations are ongoing.
The impact of the collision was catastrophic. The car was crushed under the enormous weight of the truck’s rear, with its front section completely caved in. The force of the crash left the victims trapped inside the mangled wreckage. The scene drew a large crowd of motorists and passers‑by, who stopped to offer help or witness the aftermath. Emergency services arrived swiftly, with paramedics and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) racing to the scene.
By the time rescue teams arrived, the damage was clear: two of the car’s occupants had succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while the third, along with another passenger, was found in critical condition. Both survivors were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Their condition is currently described as serious but stable.
“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 02/10/25 at the 71 kilometre peg along Chinhoyi‑Chegutu road. Two people lost their lives, and two others sustained serious injuries and were admitted for treatment. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are underway.”
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and distress as first responders battled to extricate victims from the twisted metal. Several people spoke of the shocking noise of the crash and the subsequent silence that descended over the scene. “It sounded like a bomb going off,” said one motorist who witnessed the accident. “When we got closer, we saw the car completely crushed. It was a terrifying sight.”
Two Dead, Two Injured After Horrific Accident on Chinhoyi‑Chegutu Highway
The victims have not yet been formally identified, but relatives have already begun to arrive at the scene, drawn by reports of the incident. Family members were seen weeping quietly at the roadside, some holding photographs of their loved ones, while others prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Traffic along the highway was disrupted for several hours as police cordoned off the scene to allow for investigations and recovery operations. Long queues of vehicles formed in both directions, with motorists forced to use detours through secondary roads. This caused significant delays, with some travellers reporting being stranded for more than two hours.
Road safety experts say this latest incident highlights persistent challenges on Zimbabwe’s highways, particularly relating to stationary vehicles, poor visibility, speeding, and driver inattentiveness. The Chinhoyi‑Chegutu road is a critical link connecting Harare to the western regions, and it carries heavy traffic daily, including trucks, buses, and passenger cars.
“This stretch of road sees a lot of accidents,” said a local road safety activist. “There must be better signage, more lighting, and strict enforcement of traffic rules to prevent tragedies like this. Drivers must be vigilant, especially on long stretches where fatigue can set in.”
The police have opened an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, including whether speed, driver fatigue, or mechanical failure played a role. Forensic teams have been seen at the scene, taking measurements, collecting evidence, and photographing the wreckage.
The community response has been one of sorrow and solidarity. Local residents have flocked to the families of the deceased to offer condolences, while some have donated food and water to the rescue teams. Religious leaders have called for calm and prayers for the victims, urging drivers to exercise caution.
This accident is the latest in a worrying trend of fatal road incidents across the country. According to the Road Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, road accidents remain a leading cause of unnatural deaths, with hundreds of lives lost annually due to collisions similar to this one.
For the families of those who died, Thursday’s collision will be a devastating chapter they will never forget. For those injured, the road to recovery will be long and painful. For the wider public, it is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.
Police have appealed to anyone with information about the accident to come forward as investigations continue. They also reiterated the need for motorists to adhere strictly to road rules to prevent further tragedies.
The Chinhoyi‑Chegutu highway has now reopened, but the scars of the day’s events remain. Two lives have been lost, two more are fighting for survival, and a community is left to grapple with grief and questions about how such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
Source- iHarare
