CHITUNGWIZA – A horrific collision between a 30-tonne haulage truck and a commuter omnibus (kombi) on Tuesday morning along Seke Road at Hunyani Bridge, near Water Works in Chitungwiza, just outside Harare, has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the accident, with spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urging patience as investigations unfold and more details are to be released.
“The ZRP confirms a road traffic accident which occurred this morning along Chitungwiza Road involving a haulage truck and a kombi,” Commissioner Nyathi stated.
“The police urges the media and public to be patient as police officers are currently attending the scene. More details will be released in due course.”
Rescue operations allegedly came late at the scene, where the kombi was left completely flattened and wedged beneath the massive truck.
Emergency services recovered 17 bodies from the wreckage, with concerns that the death toll may still rise. Three individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Initial reports and eyewitness accounts provided varying details on the cause of the tragedy.
Some suggest the truck may have veered into oncoming traffic while attempting to avoid a Honda Fit that allegedly swerved into its path.
Other witnesses allege the truck suffered a mechanical failure, possibly a broken prop shaft, moments before the impact. A separate account has indicated that the haulage truck is believed to have burst a tire before losing control.
Among the confirmed fatalities are two children and two pedestrians who were reportedly struck by the truck before it collided with the kombi.
The South Africa-registered truck was traveling towards Harare, while the commuter omnibus was en route to St. Mary’s in Chitungwiza.
The accident scene has been described as harrowing, with grieving family members present and the road being closed for hours to allow forensic and rescue teams to do their work.
