At least 13 people were killed and 20 injured in separate road accidents that occurred across Zimbabwe over the weekend, police said.
The deadliest accident happened on the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road where a Toyota Granvia overturned, killing four people on the spot and injuring seven others who were taken to Beitbridge District Hospital.
In Chivhu, another accident involving a Scania Rigid carrying 30 passengers left four dead and nine injured after the vehicle veered off the road and overturned. The victims were taken to Chivhu Hospital.
Along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, a Mazda Demio crash killed four people and injured two others who were admitted to Hwange Colliery Hospital.
Separately, one person was killed and two injured when a Toyota Townace rolled twice along the Harare-Mutare Road in Marondera. The victim’s body was taken to Marondera Provincial Hospital.
Authorities blamed the accidents on negligent driving, speeding and human error. The Transport Minister said revised legislation with stiffer penalties for negligent driving causing fatal accidents will be finalized by next month.
Zimbabwe aims to achieve a 50% reduction in road deaths by 2030 in line with the UN’s Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety. The government is focusing on improving rail and road safety for all users.
