A devastating road traffic accident on the Harare-Chirundu highway has claimed one life and left eighteen others injured.
The collision, which occurred around 5:30 AM on Wednesday morning at the 188-kilometre peg near Karoi, involved a Bolt Cutter bus and a Columbia Freight Liner Truck.
The accident unfolded at the Buffalo Downs truck stop, where a Harare-bound Bolt Cutter bus, travelling from Chirundu, collided with the trailer of a Columbia Freight Liner Truck attempting a right turn onto the main highway.
Hurungwe district development coordinator and chairperson of the Civil Protection Unit, Mr Andrew Tizora, confirmed the incident, describing the scene: “The truck was pulling out of a truck inn and getting onto the highway when the bus rammed into its rear trailer. The bus moved for a distance before landing on its side” he explained.
The impact of the collision was severe. The bus, reportedly travelling at excessive speed, veered off the road, overturning and landing on its left side. Tragically, one passenger lost their life in the accident.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the fatality in a statement, adding that fifteen others sustained injuries. However, Mr Tizora’s account differs slightly, reporting a total of eighteen injuries. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in gathering accurate information immediately following such a traumatic event.
Following the accident, emergency services responded swiftly. The body of the deceased was transported to Karoi Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. The injured passengers were also admitted to Karoi District Hospital.
Given the severity of some injuries, four individuals were transferred to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital for more specialised care. Mr Tizora provided an update on the condition of those hospitalised, stating that fourteen remain at Karoi District Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
The ZRP’s statement detailed the circumstances of the accident, indicating that the Bolt Cutter bus, carrying thirty passengers, collided with the turning truck. This resulted in the bus veering off the road and overturning. The police report confirms the transfer of casualties to Karoi Hospital for treatment, with the deceased passenger’s body sent to the same hospital’s mortuary.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges with road safety in Zimbabwe. The reported speeding of the Bolt Cutter bus highlights a critical concern – the need for stricter enforcement of speed limits and a greater emphasis on driver training and responsible driving practices.
The significant number of injuries and the resulting strain on local healthcare resources also underscore the devastating consequences of such accidents.
