GWERU – A chilling scene unfolded on Monday afternoon along the notorious Hamutyinei Road, leaving a trail of grief and despair in its wake. A Toyota Hiace Kombi, packed with 21 passengers, careened off the road, overturning three times before coming to a rest on its side. The crash claimed the lives of four individuals, while 18 others sustained injuries, some critical.
The accident, which occurred at the 3-kilometre peg around 4pm, has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting once again the dangers of our roads.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 3 kilometre peg along Hamutyinei Road in Gweru on 15/07/24 at around 1600 hours,” confirmed National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi in an interview with The Mirror.
The impact of the crash was devastating. The mangled wreckage of the Kombi, twisted and broken, stood as a stark reminder of the fragility of life. Emergency services rushed to the scene, their sirens piercing the air with a chilling urgency.
“Four people died whilst 18 others were injured when a Toyota Hiace kombi with 21 passengers on board veered off the road and overturned three times before landing on its right side,” Commissioner Nyathi explained.
The bodies of the deceased were transported to Gweru Provincial Hospital, where the grim task of post-mortem examinations will be conducted. The injured were also admitted to the same hospital, with one victim requiring further medical attention at Bulawayo United Hospitals.
Commissioner Nyathi, while expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased, urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and adhere to road traffic rules. “Details of the deceased will be released once their next of kins are notified,” he said, his voice heavy with the weight of the tragedy.
