Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
A MOTORIST was killed on the spot early Saturday morning after a truck carrying thousands of live chickens collided with a Toyota Passo at a busy Bulawayo intersection.
The fatal accident occurred around 5.40AM at the intersection of Robert Mugabe Way and Heathfield Road in Northend when the truck transporting approximately 4 000 chickens was involved in a crash with the Toyota Passo, which was being used as an e-hailing service vehicle.
When a Zimpapers news crew arrived shortly after the incident, police officers had already cordoned off the area, diverting traffic away from the intersection.
Members of the Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services were also on site, attending to the wreckage and assisting in clearing the scene.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the accident and said investigations were still being done to determine the cause of the fatal crush.
“I can confirm that one person died when a truck carrying chickens was involved in an accident with a Toyota Passo, for now, that is all I can say as our officers are still investigating the cause of this crush,” said Insp Msebele.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo revealed that preliminary investigations showed that the driver of the Toyota Passo was part of the e-hailing cab service InDrive, and had been working since Friday night.
“The information we gathered is that he started duty yesterday (Friday), for the whole night operating, resulting in fatigue. He is the one who encroached on the lane of the truck from the skid marks noted, resulting in this head on collision. We advise members of the public to desist from over straining themselves as we have lost a life, worse of a bread winner,” said Mr Moyo.
Witnesses said the impact was severe, leaving the smaller vehicle extensively damaged. The driver of the Passo died at the scene.
It was not immediately clear whether any other injuries were sustained.
Workers from the poultry company were also at the scene loading back the crates of chicken that had fallen off the truck after the trailer overturned as a result of the accident.
Police are yet to release the identity of the deceased pending notification of next of kin. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are underway.
