Harare – A horrific road accident, reminiscent of a scene from the action film Fast and Furious, has claimed the lives of five pedestrians on the Harare-Mukumbura highway, leaving a scene of devastation and raising serious questions about reckless driving in Zimbabwe.
The incident, which unfolded on Saturday afternoon just after 4 PM near the 90-kilometre peg, involved a Nissan Primeira that lost control, ploughing into a group of six people walking on the roadside before dramatically overturning.
Police reports paint a grim picture of the aftermath. The vehicle, carrying one passenger, veered off the road and into the unsuspecting pedestrians, ultimately landing on its roof. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in the immediate deaths of three individuals.
Two others tragically succumbed to their injuries upon arrival at Bindura Hospital. A sixth pedestrian, along with the passenger in the vehicle, survived but sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care at the same hospital.
While Zimbabwe struggles with a persistently high rate of road fatalities, averaging five deaths per day, accidents involving pedestrians on the roadside are less frequent. This tragedy underscores the vulnerability of pedestrians, especially in the face of reckless driving, and highlights the urgent need for greater road safety awareness.
The scene of the accident evoked images of the high-speed crashes and reckless driving often depicted in action films like Fast and Furious, prompting concerns about the influence of such portrayals on driver behaviour.
Toddler Killed in Norton Driveway Tragedy
Adding to the weekend’s tragic toll, a separate incident in Maridale, Norton, claimed the life of a toddler in a residential driveway. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the heartbreaking accident, which occurred on September 23rd.
The young child, just one year and three months old, was tragically run over by a reversing Honda Fit vehicle at approximately 3:10 PM. The toddler sustained fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital in Norton. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by vehicles, even in seemingly safe environments.
Hit-and-Run Leaves Man Dead on Harare-Mutare Road
Compounding the weekend’s tragedies, an unidentified man was killed in a hit-and-run incident on the Harare-Mutare Road on Sunday morning. The incident took place near the 260-kilometre peg, close to the Mutare ZINWA water tanks, at approximately 5 AM. The driver involved fled the scene after striking the pedestrian.
The victim’s body has been taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Police are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the deceased and locate the driver responsible for this fatal hit-and-run.
These tragic incidents, particularly the devastating crash on the Harare-Mukumbura highway, highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and a renewed focus on responsible driving behaviour.
The loss of five lives in a single incident, along with the death of a toddler and a hit-and-run victim, underscores the devastating consequences of road accidents. Authorities and communities must collaborate to address the root causes of these tragedies and strive to create safer roads for all Zimbabweans. The police are continuing their investigations into all three incidents.
