adminLynnia Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
SIX people died on the spot while two were seriously injured when the driver of a Toyota Ipsum lost control, encroached and side swiped with an oncoming DAF truck along the Bulawayo-Harare Road on Friday night.
The accident occurred at around 9pm at the 340km peg near Shangani barely a week after 10 people perished at the 369km peg along the same road. National police spokesman Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi yesterday confirmed the accident.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will like to confirm the death of six people, with two seriously injured and one with minor injuries in a road accident which occurred on 23 September at around 9.30pm on the 340km peg along the Bulawayo-Harare Road. A Toyota Ipsum was travelling along the mentioned road heading to Bulawayo with seven passengers on board.
On approaching the 340km peg, the driver encroached to the lane of the oncoming DAF truck which was heading to Harare resulting in a side swipe. The driver lost control of the vehicle which veered off the road to the left side before overturning and landing on its roof.
“Six passengers including the driver of the Ipsum vehicle died on the spot. Two people were critically injured and were admitted to Gweru Provincial Hospital while the driver of the truck is in a stable condition. Bodies of the deceased were taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.
He urged motorists to exercise caution when driving.
“I urge motorists to be observant and ensure they do not encroach into other lanes of oncoming vehicles.”
A witness who identified herself as Precious Dube who was on her way to Bulawayo in another vehicle said the accident was terrifying.
“That was so sad that you couldn’t look at it twice. The vehicle was so damaged that no one could believe that anyone alive could come out from it. People should pray before travelling because these road accidents are increasing,” she said.
derick.khumalo