Bongani Ndlovu
There has been a terrible accident along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road this afternoon where a Toyota Quantum, which is believed to have been carrying explosives, suddenly exploded.
What I am seeing on the ground is a scene of complete devastation. Behind me is what remains of the Quantum, now reduced to burnt and scattered wreckage.
The main explosion appears to have occurred ahead, almost two to three kilometres from where I am standing, suggesting the blast was far more powerful than what initially met the eye at the primary crash site.
I can confirm that emergency responders and members of the public in the area are still visibly shaken. Some teachers who were nearby at the time are still in shock, struggling to come to terms with what they witnessed.
From what we are gathering here on the ground, the vehicle was allegedly transporting explosives, although this is yet to be officially confirmed by authorities.
A few metres from where I am standing, there is a huge crack on the main road — evidence of the force of the explosion. The road surface is badly damaged, further pointing to the severity of the blast.
We are still to engage officials to establish exactly what transpired and what the Quantum was carrying at the time of the incident.
The Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr Ntlanganomolo, has previously described scenes like this as the worst disasters he has ever encountered in his career as an emergency rescue worker — and from what I am witnessing, this incident appears to be no different.
At this stage, there are fears that no one survived the explosion, although this is yet to be officially confirmed by authorities who are still conducting assessments at the scene.
Security and emergency teams remain on site as the area has been cordoned off to allow investigations and recovery operations to continue.
More details will be provided once officials give a comprehensive update.
— Sikhumbuzo Moyo, reporting from the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road.
Online Reporter