Search for missing person after deadly Quantum explosion continues

Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
THE search for one person still unaccounted for following the horrific explosion of a Toyota Quantum on 16 April near Ethandweni on the 27km peg along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge road is ongoing, authorities and sources have confirmed.
The Chronicle is reliably informed that the family of the missing person conducted a search in the surrounding area on Sunday, during which they discovered money, airtime cards and clothing believed to have been worn by their relative.
Efforts to get a comment from the family were fruitless, but sources close to the development confirmed the discovery, adding that the family remains distraught and desperate for closure.
The explosion, which claimed multiple lives, has left one victim yet to be positively identified.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Umzingwane Constituency Member of the National Assembly, Brigadier General (Retired) Levi Mayihlome, has postponed the Umzingwane Day of Prayer to a later date.
Citing the need for sensitivity and respect for grieving families, the legislator issued a statement explaining the decision.
“Owing to situations beyond our control and to show respect to those bereaved families who have not yet positively identified their relatives who perished on 16 April 2026 near Ethandweni on the 27km peg along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge road, it has been found absolutely necessary to postpone the Umzingwane Day of Prayer to a later date. It is desirable to make this particular day a way of healing and closure. Therefore, we do not believe we can have closure when other families are still to find and give their beloved relatives a decent rest,” said Brig Gen Rtd Mayihlome.
He outlined the Road Cleansing Ceremony Roadmap, saying one body out of those who perished on 16 April 2026 is yet to be identified and that the ceremony will wait for this body to be identified and laid to rest.
He added that Umzingwane Chiefs are to consult each other, and that all church denominations including those who perished at Mawabeni bridge on Good Friday and the twenty-two who perished in 2023 will be invited to an all-stakeholders meeting in Umzingwane District coordinated by the District Development Coordinator.
A date and programme for the ceremony shall be agreed accordingly.
“Therefore, the date of 24th of May is hereby deferred to a later date, until all the above has been concluded. All inconveniences caused are sincerely regretted,” he said.