Horror crash declared state of disaster

Sikhumbuzo Moyo

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared the accident in which 16 people died near Bulawayo yesterday a State of Disaster.

The spine-chilling incident, where a Toyota Quantum vehicle exploded along Gwanda Road, went viral on social media platforms as it plunged the entire nation into mourning, with people seeking answers on the cause of the disaster.

The victims were travelling from Nkayi to Gwanda, said Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, who visited the scene from Maphisa where he had led a Government delegation for a final assessment of Independence Day preparations.

Minister Garwe shortly announced the President’s declaration of a State of Disaster as an expression of profound grief.

“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde ED Mnangagwa, has declared a State of Disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], following the tragic accident that claimed 16 lives near Esigodini along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road,” he said in a statement.

“This declaration enables Government to mobilise and coordinate all necessary support for the affected families during this sorrowful period.”

Minister Garwe said preliminary investigations into the accident indicate that the Toyota Quantum belonging to Best Care Funeral Services of South Africa, was travelling from Bulawayo along the Bulawayo–Gwanda Road carrying passengers when an explosive material detonated under unclear circumstances, leading to the death of all passengers on board.

“The accident claimed 16 lives. Some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition, while others were severely dismembered. This will necessitate DNA testing in order to positively identify the victims,” said Minister Garwe.

“This heartbreaking incident once again highlights the urgent need for strict adherence to road safety measures at all times.”

Minister Garwe, who was visibly shaken, said some bodies had been identified. “The Department of Civil Protection Unit, the police and other security apparatus are investigating and because of that the cause of the accident is not yet known. We are so saddened as Government,” he said.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the fatal incident occurred between Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and the Gwanda Tollgate between 1pm and 2pm.

Police have since launched full investigations into the cause of the explosion. Earlier, the police had indicated that approximately 18 people died.

“A kombi exploded into fire between Chipangali and Gwanda tollgate along Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road between 1300 hours and 1400 hours today (yesterday). More details will be released in due course,” said ZRP in a brief statement.

The horrific blast has left a trail of destruction, with witnesses describing a catastrophic scene in which bodies were flung across the road and into nearby bushland.

An eyewitness, Mr Andrew Ncube, who arrived shortly after the explosion, said the scene was one of unimaginable devastation.

“When I arrived, there were bodies thrown all over the place. Some were on the sides of the road whilst others were lying in the middle of the road,” he said.

Mr Ncube said two victims — a man and a woman — were still alive when he got to the scene, but their condition quickly deteriorated.

“The lady was asking for water but she passed on before the ambulance arrived, about five minutes later,” he said.

Mr Ncube said he counted about 15 bodies at the scene, although authorities later indicated the death toll had risen. He added that he had seen the Quantum earlier near Eveline High School before it sped off.

Emergency services, including the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, police and military personnel, swiftly attended the scene, but the vehicle had already been engulfed in flames and reduced to a shell.

Authorities later cordoned off the area and combed the surrounding bushland, with police deploying a drone to search for any bodies or remains.

Reports from the scene indicated that fragments suspected to be explosive material were found a few metres from the wreckage, although officials have not yet confirmed whether the vehicle was carrying explosives.

Bulawayo chief fire officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo confirmed his team responded to the incident.

“We dispatched a team to the scene and are working with other emergency services. More details will be made available,” he said.

Investigators from the police and the army have since launched a full-scale probe, while a temporary detour has been created to allow traffic to flow as forensic examinations continue.

The intensity of the explosion was evident, with one body discovered nearly 100 metres from the wreckage while another was found lodged atop a four-metre-high tree. An overhead communication cable was also severed.

Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Omphile Marupi urged motorists to avoid the affected route.

“We are requesting that people use the Bushtick Road that passes through Sacred Heart and joins the Harare Road near Imbizo into Bulawayo. Those from Bulawayo should use the Harare Road, turning right just before the Bulawayo tollgate and drive towards Falcon College and Sacred Heart, joining the Beitbridge Road at Esigodini,” he said.