Two haulage trucks collide and ignite, drivers burnt beyond identification

Sunday News Correspondent

A tragic head-on collision between two South African-registered haulage trucks on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road resulted in the loss of both drivers’ lives late Wednesday night. The accident occurred around the 60-kilometre mark, leading to a catastrophic fire that engulfed both vehicles.

According to Mr Mhlangano Moyo, acting chief fire officer, the Bulawayo Fire Brigade responded to the emergency call shortly after midnight. “We received the distress call at 23:30 and arrived on the scene by 00:14,” he reported.

The collision, which took place in the middle of the highway, caused the trucks to burst into flames upon impact. Firefighters arrived to find the vehicles fully ablaze, and tragically, they discovered the charred remains of the drivers trapped inside the wreckage.

“Each truck contained a body that was burnt beyond recognition, so we assume they were the drivers. However, we will await further investigations to confirm their identities,” Mr. Moyo added.

Preliminary investigations indicate that there were no passengers in either truck at the time of the accident. While the exact cause of the collision is still under review, initial reports suggest that one of the trucks was on the wrong side of the road as it approached Victoria Falls.

Equipped with specialized tools, the fire brigade worked to extinguish the flames and recover the victims’ remains.
“We employed two high-pressure hose reels and one jet to put out the fire, and used jaws of life rescue tools to access the wreckage and retrieve the bodies,” Mr. Moyo explained.

The road was cordoned off to facilitate safe operations during the rescue and firefighting efforts. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers of road travel and the critical importance of responsible driving.

In recent years, the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road has seen numerous fatal accidents, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. Unfortunately, the road’s condition has deteriorated significantly, plagued by potholes and inadequate maintenance, rendering it unfit by highway standards.

The Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway is a vital trade route, connecting Zimbabwe with South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and the DRC, highlighting the need for attention to its safety and maintenance.