A routine Sunday evening turned into a nightmare on the Gweru–Zvishavane Road when a Zhongtong bus carrying 45 passengers collided with a Toyota Hilux after striking a stray cow, killing two people and injuring 19 others. The horrific accident, which occurred near the 10-kilometre peg around 8:30 PM, has once again raised alarms about road safety and the dangers of stray livestock on Zimbabwe’s highways.
According to a statement by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the crash was triggered when the bus struck a cow that had wandered onto the road in the darkness. The impact caused the driver to lose control, sending the bus careening into the opposite lane, where it collided head-on with an oncoming Toyota Hilux. The violent collision resulted in the immediate deaths of both occupants of the Hilux, while several bus passengers were left seriously injured.
In a press briefing, the ZRP confirmed: “A Zhongtong bus carrying 45 passengers hit a cow, resulting in the bus encroaching onto the oncoming lane. The bus then collided head-on with a Toyota Hilux, leading to two fatalities and multiple injuries.”
Eyewitnesses described a scene of devastation, with the twisted remains of both vehicles scattered across the tarmac. The front of the bus was severely mangled, while the Hilux was completely crushed by the force of the impact. Passengers screamed for help as rescuers struggled to free those trapped in the wreckage.
“It all happened in seconds,” said one survivor. “The bus suddenly swerved after hitting something, and before we knew it, there was a loud crash. People were thrown from their seats. It was chaos.”
Emergency services, including the police, firefighters, and paramedics, rushed to the scene within minutes of the incident. Sirens pierced the night as rescue teams worked under flashlights to pull victims from the debris. The injured were swiftly transported to Gweru Provincial Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the hospital’s mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Nineteen passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor bruises to serious fractures and head trauma. Hospital authorities confirmed that several victims remain under observation, while others are receiving critical care. “We received 19 patients from the crash,” said a hospital spokesperson. “Some are in stable condition, while others are still being treated for more serious injuries.”
The aftermath of the crash left a haunting silence along the Gweru–Zvishavane highway, with debris and shattered glass marking the spot where lives were lost. Local residents gathered at the scene, offering prayers and comforting the injured. Many expressed outrage over the recurring problem of stray animals on highways, calling for urgent government action to prevent further tragedies.
“This is not the first time we’ve lost people because of cows on the road,” said a local villager. “Authorities need to take this issue seriously. Farmers should be held accountable when their livestock causes accidents.”
The ZRP has since launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Preliminary findings suggest that poor visibility, excessive speed, and the presence of stray animals may have all contributed to the tragedy. Investigators will also examine whether the bus driver attempted to swerve or brake before the impact.
Two Killed, Nineteen Injured After Zhongtong Bus Collides With Toyota Hilux on Gweru-Zvishavane Road
Road safety experts have repeatedly warned about the risks posed by animals straying onto major highways, especially at night. The Gweru–Zvishavane Road, which connects key mining and commercial hubs in the Midlands province, has been identified as a high-risk route due to increased traffic and poor roadside fencing.
In recent years, several fatal accidents have occurred under similar circumstances, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of livestock control laws. According to statistics from the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, animal-related crashes have risen sharply, accounting for nearly 10% of rural road accidents reported in the past two years.
Authorities are also urging drivers to exercise heightened caution, particularly on poorly lit roads. “Motorists should reduce speed at night and remain alert for animals crossing,” a ZRP spokesperson advised. “We also appeal to livestock owners to properly secure their animals and prevent them from straying onto highways.”
Meanwhile, relatives of the deceased have been notified and are expected to identify their loved ones at Gweru Provincial Hospital. The community has been left in mourning, with many describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance on the roads.
As investigators continue to piece together the events that led to the crash, grief and disbelief linger over the Midlands province. What began as a routine bus trip for dozens of passengers ended in tragedy — two lives lost, families shattered, and yet another stark warning about the dangers that persist on Zimbabwe’s roads.
The ZRP has reiterated its commitment to completing a thorough investigation and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent similar disasters. For now, the Gweru–Zvishavane Road bears the scars of a tragedy that could have been avoided — one more reminder that safety on the nation’s highways remains a shared responsibility.
