adminThe dead were identified as Tapiwa Mairosi (15), Livert Ruzande (45), Tendai Kangwete (21), Gift Ferenando (16) and Nixon Katewo whose age was not given. They all came from Kazangarare in Hurungwe.
The accident occurred at the 136-kilometre peg around 10pm when the 10-tonne Volvo truck going to Karoi was sideswiped by a five-tonne Nissan UD truck carrying other farmers heading for the auction floors.
On board the Volvo truck in which the five farmers died, were 26 passengers, while no one died among the seven passengers in the UD truck. The driver of the UD truck allegedly failed to return to his lane in time to avoid hitting the Volvo truck after overtaking another truck that was also carrying tobacco farmers. Those who died were thrown onto the tarmac and were seriously injured on impact.
They were also hit by the other truck that was following closely, resulting in the victims sustaining serious head injuries.
Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara confirmed the incident. He said bodies of the deceased were taken to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital mortuary, while the injured were receiving treatment at the same hospital.
Online Reporter