Friends of Quantum driver, conductor recount final moments before deadly explosion

Friends and colleagues of the driver and conductor of the Toyota Quantum that reportedly exploded along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road have described the moment they learned of the tragedy, saying they are still struggling to come to terms with the incident.

The accounts were gathered by the Zimpapers News crew at Max Garage in Bulawayo, where the pair were known to operate from. The mood was sombre as the normally

One of the touts said he had seen the conductor shortly before the vehicle left the rank, describing their final interaction as normal and unremarkable.

“I’m devastated because I arrived here in the morning at around 10. I saw him when the Quantum was about to leave Max Garage. He said he was on his way and bade me goodbye, saying he would see me when he comes back. I was shocked to be shown that the Quantum had exploded just after Chipangali,” he said.

Another colleague, identified as Mlamleli, said the news of the explosion left him shaken, especially after seeing images circulating on social media.

“The driver was my friend. I was shocked to hear that his car had exploded. When I saw the pictures on social media circulating, it really affected me. I don’t know what to say. All of us here are really shocked and at a loss for words,” he said.

A third tout described the conductor as a humble man who related well with everyone at the rank, saying he often shared light moments with colleagues.

“He was a humble person and would joke with everyone,” he said.

Several other rank marshals and touts at Max Garage said they knew both the driver and conductor personally, with some describing them as family men with strong ties to Lupane, where they originate.

“He is my homeboy from Lupane. I know his family, his wife and children. This is very sad,” another colleague said.