Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau
NINE people died and 11 suffered various degrees of injury in two separate accidents which occurred along the Harare-Bulawayo, and Harare-Masvingo highways.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said five people lost their lives in a deadly collision involving a commuter minibus and a fuel tanker at the Kuwadzana 7 turn-off along the Harare-Bulawayo Road at around 5:10am yesterday.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal road traffic accident, which occurred on October 31, 2024 at around 5:10am along Harare-Bulawayo Road, Kuwadzana 7 turn-off at the traffic-controlled intersection of First Street and Bulawayo Road, Harare,” said Comm Nyathi.
He said the commuter omnibus, a Toyota Hiace, which had an unspecified number of passengers on board, collided with a fuel tanker with no passengers.
“The commuter omnibus turned right onto Bulawayo Road, crossing into the path of the oncoming tanker. The violent collision left five passengers dead at the scene, while six others were transported to Sally Mugabe Hospital with injuries,” said Comm Nyathi.
As of last night, the death toll had risen to seven and Comm Nyathi said the victims’ identities will be made public once their next of kin have been identified.
“The bodies of the victims were taken to Sally Mugabe Hospital mortuary for post mortems whilst the injured were admitted to the same hospital. The five victims have not yet been identified by their next of kin,” said Comm Nyathi.
He said the second accident occurred at Chaka Business Centre along the Harare-Masvingo Highway yesterday when a Toyota Land Cruiser reportedly veered off the road and overturned, killing two people on board and injuring five others.
“Two people were killed while five others were injured when a Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle veered off the road and overturned before landing on its wheels at the 225km peg along Harare-Masvingo Highway on October 30 at around 3:30pm,” said Comm Nyathi.
He said bodies of the victims from the Land Cruiser accident were taken to Mvuma Hospital mortuary for post-mortems, while the injured passengers received treatment at the same hospital.
“One of the injured was transferred to a Harare facility for further medical care. The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges motorists to abide by the country’s road rules and regulations to curb road accidents.
“Above all, motorists are implored to avoid speeding on the country’s roads,” said Comm Nyathi.
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