Omanghana
At least 27 people have died and seven others have been injured following a head-on collision between a passenger minibus and a haulage truck in central Zimbabwe.
The fatal accident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 28, near the 130-kilometre mark of the Harare–Masvingo highway, close to Makumimavi Primary School and the town of Chivhu.
The crash site is approximately 132 kilometres south of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare.
Minibus Was Carrying Church Members
The Nissan Caravan NV350 minibus was transporting members of the African Apostolic Church, an indigenous Christian denomination whose members are widely recognized by their white religious garments.
The congregants were reportedly travelling from Mvuma to Dema to attend a church conference when the collision occurred.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the number of passengers travelling in both vehicles had not been fully established.
Truck Reportedly Attempted to Overtake
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the foreign-registered Volvo haulage truck was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it entered the path of the oncoming minibus.
The two vehicles then collided head-on.
The force of the impact caused the minibus to burst into flames, leaving the vehicle extensively damaged and charred to a shell. Images broadcast by local media showed the burnt wreckage at the scene.
Twenty-three people were confirmed dead at the crash site. Four others later died after being transported to medical facilities with severe burns and traumatic injuries, bringing the death toll to 27.
At least seven survivors were hospitalized for treatment. Authorities had not immediately provided detailed information about the nature of their injuries or conditions.
The bodies of the deceased were transported to the Chivhu Hospital mortuary. Police said their identities would be released after relatives had been formally notified.
Police Open Investigation
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched an investigation to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the collision, including the number of passengers in each vehicle.
Authorities have not yet announced whether criminal charges will be filed in connection with the crash.
The reported overtaking manoeuvre has renewed concerns about dangerous driving on Zimbabwe’s major highways, particularly routes frequently used by heavy commercial trucks and passenger vehicles.
Zimbabwe Faces Persistent Road Safety Crisis
Fatal road accidents are common in Zimbabwe, where privately operated minibus taxis—locally known as kombis—provide daily transportation for millions of people.
The vehicles are frequently criticized for speeding and carrying passengers beyond their permitted capacity. Police have not indicated that overloading contributed to this particular collision.
Zimbabwean authorities estimate that human error is responsible for approximately 94% of road crashes in the country.
Poorly maintained roads, potholes, limited lighting, ageing vehicles and heavy cross-border freight traffic also contribute to the risks faced by motorists and passengers.
The latest tragedy follows several deadly transport incidents in Zimbabwe. In April, at least 18 people died when another minibus caught fire on a highway in the country’s south.
Across Africa, road crashes kill approximately 300,000 people annually, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The continent has the world’s highest road fatality rate despite accounting for only about 3% of the global vehicle fleet.
Source: Omanghana
