Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Online Reporter
TWO people died and two others were seriously injured early Monday when a Botswana-registered fuel tanker collided head-on with a Honda Fit along the Bulawayo–Plumtree Road.
The accident occurred at around 2AM on a bridge before the Emganwini turn-off.
Bulawayo Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, confirmed the incident, saying the Honda Fit, which had three occupants, veered into the path of the oncoming truck.
“The Honda Fit crew was trapped and extricated by our team. Two died on the spot, while one sustained serious injuries and was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital,” said Mr Moyo.
The tanker, which had just passed a police roadblock, swerved off the road after impact. The driver and his passenger leapt out of the moving vehicle moments before it caught fire. Both are now receiving treatment at Mpilo Central Hospital.
Mr Moyo said the truck was carrying about 400 litres of diesel, most of which spilled onto the road.
“The Bulawayo City Council Fire Department contained 95 percent of the spillage by 9AM using Firechem foam liquid concentrate. The scene was attended by two fire brigade vehicles, one police officer, 12 fire department officials and an Environmental Management Agency (EMA) representative,” he said.
Mr Moyo said the salt used in the clean-up had not yet been cleared, as authorities are awaiting authorisation from the truck’s owner, who is travelling from Francistown, Botswana.
