Mutare – Tragedy struck along the treacherous Christmas Pass near Mutare yesterday, as a haulage truck, reportedly suffering brake failure, ploughed into multiple vehicles and pedestrians, resulting in the deaths of four people and leaving an undisclosed number injured. The horrific accident has once again raised concerns about road safety on the notoriously challenging mountainous stretch along the Mutare-Harare route.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the fatal road traffic accident, which occurred on March 6, 2025, at approximately 1240 hours, near VED Mutare.
“The ZRP reports a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on March 6, 2025, at around 1240 hours, along Harare-Mutare Road, near VED Mutare. A haulage truck collided with four vehicles and hit four pedestrians before overturning and landing on its roof while descending Christmas Pass. As a result of the accident, three people died on the spot while another died upon admission at Victoria Chitepo Hospital,” said Nyathi.
Eyewitnesses reported that the haulage truck, carrying a consignment of cement, experienced brake failure while navigating the steep descent. This caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a devastating collision with four other vehicles and several pedestrians before the truck overturned.
Three victims died at the scene of the accident, while the fourth succumbed to injuries after being admitted to Victoria Chitepo Hospital. The injured are currently receiving medical attention, although the exact number of those hurt remains undisclosed.
Commissioner Nyathi assured the public that more details regarding the accident would be released in due course. The ZRP is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the brake failure and the events leading up to the collision.
The Christmas Pass, known for its challenging terrain, has been the site of several accidents in the past, raising concerns about road safety measures in the area. Diamond FM reported that “A haulage truck carrying cement developed a brake failure while descending Christmas Pass before crashing into multiple vehicles and overturning near the VID turn-off in Mutare this afternoon. Several people are reported to have been injured, while others are still trapped.”
While the nation grapples with the Christmas Pass tragedy, another life was tragically lost in Mutare last Saturday. Elvis Madhigu (26) was crushed to death by a reversing bus at the busy Sakubva Bus Terminus.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the death of Elvis Madhigu (26). He said at around 8.30pm, Madhigu, who was lying on the ground was tragically run over by a reversing bus that was being driven by Loardshare Mushipe (47) from Gweru.
Mushipe, a driver with Stallion Cruise Bus Company, was allegedly reversing the bus, which was unoccupied at the time, when the accident happened. Madhigu sustained severe injuries on the arms, legs and ribs, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Although Madhigu had been observed to be intoxicated earlier in the day, and had been sleeping at the terminus for some time, the circumstances of the accident suggest negligence on the part of the bus driver. Investigations revealed that Mushipe had recklessly reversed the bus without inspecting the surroundings, failing to notice Madhigu lying under the bus.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged bus drivers to exercise extreme caution when driving on public space to ensure public safety. “Bus drivers should be extremely careful when driving on public spaces and to inspect the surrounding before moving their buses.” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka also took the opportunity to address the scourge of drug and substance abuse, among youths, leading to unnecessary loss of young lives. “I also encourage young people to stay away from drugs and other intoxicating substances to avoid such consequences,” he said.
Mushipe now faces culpable homicide charges.
