Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu
TWO people died and three others were seriously injured early yesterday when a Botswana-registered fuel tanker collided head-on with a Honda Fit, along the Bulawayo-Plumtree Road.
The accident occurred at around 2am (yesterday) on a bridge before the Emganwini turn-off.
Bulawayo Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, confirmed the accident, saying the Honda Fit, which had three occupants, encroached into the lane of the oncoming truck resulting in the collision
“The Honda Fit occupants were trapped and had to be 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, veered off the road after the collision. 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.
The country continues to record high numbers of road traffic accidents, particularly during public holidays.
According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, 90 percent of road traffic accidents are due to human error such as speeding and failure to observe traffic rules and regulations.
Heavy vehicles such as fuel tankers pose an additional hazard when involved in crashes due to the risk of fire and environmental contamination from spillage.
Last week, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province held a safety awareness campaign aimed at encouraging motorists to practice diligent driving during the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day holidays.
The campaign, conducted in collaboration with other stakeholders, sought to remind motorists, passengers and pedestrians to adhere to all traffic rules and regulations in order to reduce accidents.
Bongani Ndlovu