Rescue operations underway following deadly Seke Road accident

Good afternoon

We are following breaking news from Seke Road at Hunyani Bridge, where a devastating collision between a 30-tonne haulage truck and a commuter omnibus has resulted in multiple fatalities, with the kombi trapped beneath the massive truck.

Emergency services are on-site, working tirelessly to rescue those trapped and recover victims.

Stay tuned as our Reporter Remember Deketeke brings you live updates on this unfolding tragedy and the ongoing rescue efforts.

Nine feared dead

Nine people are feared dead following a devastating collision between a 30-tonne haulage truck and a commuter omnibus this morning.

The impact left the mangled remains of the kombi wedged beneath the massive truck, in what eyewitnesses have described as one of the most disturbing accidents in recent memory.

The crash is believed to have been triggered by a Honda Fit that allegedly veered into the path of the haulage truck, forcing the driver to swerve into the opposite lane.

In doing so, the truck reportedly collided head-on with the oncoming kombi, dragging and crushing it beneath its heavy frame.

The aftermath is catastrophic.

Twisted metal, shattered glass, and debris are littering the tarmac as emergency services work frantically to retrieve those trapped.

By the time rescuers arrived, the kombi had been completely flattened, with only fragments of its chassis visible from beneath the truck’s undercarriage.

Twelve individuals have so far been pulled from the wreckage, with many feared to be buried underneath.

Of those, three were immediately rushed to the nearest hospital in critical condition.

The remaining nine, showing no signs of life, were covered with blankets at the scene as authorities cordoned off the area to begin investigations.

The road has remained closed as fire and ambulance services continue with their grim task of retrieving bodies and clearing the wreck.

Death toll rises to 17

The death toll has risen to 17 following the recovery of more bodies from the mangled kombi.

As of 12:00pm, recovery teams had managed to lift the truck, uncovering more than eight bodies from the wreckage, bringing the number of casualties to 17.

Families plunged into mourning

Some family members of the accident victims have gathered at the scene, and many broke down upon identifying the lifeless bodies of their loved ones.

Several people wail, clutching clothes soaked in dust and blood, while others stand frozen in shock, grief etched deep into their faces.

The air is thick with pain, too heavy for words.

Fresh details emerge

Fresh details have emerged suggesting that the 30-tonne haulage truck suffered a mechanical fault before the collision.

 

Witnesses at the scene believe that the truck’s prop shaft broke down as it tried to avoid the Honda Fit, resulting in the truck driver losing control.

The vehicle then veered off its lane and crushed the oncoming kombi.

Authorities are expected to release a full report after further investigations.

Traffic piles up along Seke Road following the accident

ZRP to issue a statement later on

The police have said they will soon issue a statement on the fatal road accident.

Police officers are still attending the scene and the exact number of people who have died will be released later during the day.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The ZRP confirms a road traffic accident that occurred this morning along Chitungwiza Road involving a haulage truck and a kombi.

“The police urge the media and public to be patient as police officers are currently attending the scene. More details will be released in due course,” he said.

Chitungwiza Mayor appeals for national disaster declaration

Chitungwiza Mayor Councillor Rosaria Mangoma has appealed to the Government to declare the accident a national disaster.

Councillor Mangoma, who visited the accident site, described the scene as deeply distressing.

“It was one of the most disturbing and traumatic scenes our community has witnessed in recent memory,” she said.

“What I witnessed was truly heartbreaking. In this regard, I am formally appealing to the Government of Zimbabwe to declare this accident a national disaster.

“Doing so will unlock vital resources towards assisting the bereaved in mourning their loved ones. We appeal for national support.”