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The incident occurred opposite Noczim filling station at about 5pm.
The pole fell onto the road after the crash, resulting in the road being closed to traffic for more than 14 hours while Zesa said some of the affected suburbs would be without power for a “few days”.
Motorists from the city centre were forced to use Khami Road to go to the western suburbs as live electric wires posed a hazard to passing traffic and pedestrians.
Confirming the incident, acting Bulawayo spokesperson Assistant Inspector Bekimpilo Ndlovu said the driver lost control of the Toyota Corolla vehicle and veered off the road.
“We attended a road accident that occurred along Luveve Road near Matshobana around 5pm where the driver of a Toyota Corolla lost control of his vehicle and veered off the road before hitting electricity poles. As a result, electric cables were left hanging dangerously prompting us to block part of Luveve Road, while Zesa personnel were working on the power line.
“The vehicle had three passengers and all escaped unharmed,” said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
He thanked Zesa for their prompt response and the motorists for their cooperation.
A witness, Mr Simon Nkomo, said: “Cars that were coming from town could not use the road since the cables were lying on the road blocking traffic.”
Residents said there was a loud noise which was followed by an explosion after which power went off in Emakhandeni, Gwabalanda, Magwegwe North, Magwegwe West, Lobengula West, Entumbane, Luveve, Cowdray Park, Mzilikazi, Makokoba and Pumula. Contacted for comment, Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira said only some of the western suburbs would be without power for a few days.
“We have a technical problem, which is replacing the electricity poles, and power will be replaced as soon as possible in the affected areas,” said Mr Gwasira.
Online Reporter