Tragedy struck on the nation’s highways as two separate crashes left seven individuals dead and 11 others injured.
In the early hours of Thursday, five individuals lost their lives in a lethal collision involving a commuter minibus and a gasoline tanker on the Harare-Bulawayo Avenue, Kuwadzana turn off.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 31st October 2024 at around 0510 hours along Harare-Bulawayo Road, Kuwadzana 7 turn off at the traffic-controlled intersection of First Street and Bulawayo Road, Harare,” mentioned national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The accident involved a Toyota Hiace kombi, which had an unspecified substitute of passengers on board, and a gasoline tanker with no passengers.
According to Commissioner Nyathi, the kombi was dazzling onto Bulawayo Avenue, crossing into the path of the oncoming tanker. The violent collision left five passengers dead at the scene, whereas six others were transported to Sally Mugabe Clinic with injuries.
The victims’ identities maintain yet to be confirmed.
“The bodies of the victims were taken to Sally Mugabe Hospital mortuary for post mortem whilst the injured are admitted at the same hospital. The five victims have not yet been identified by their next of kin,” Nyathi mentioned.
The 2nd accident occurred the day previous on the Harare-Masvingo Avenue shut to the 225-kilometer label.
A Toyota Land Cruiser reportedly veered off the dual carriageway and overturned, killing two individuals on board and injuring five others.
“Two people were killed while five others were injured when a Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle veered off the road and overturned before landing on its wheels at the 225-kilometer peg along Harare-Masvingo Road on 30th October 2024 at around 1530 hours,” Nyathi mentioned.
The bodies of the victims in the Land Cruiser accident were taken to Mvuma Clinic mortuary for autopsy, whereas the injured passengers bought medication at the equivalent medical institution. Certainly one of many injured was once transferred to a Harare facility for extra medical care.
As the nation reels from these accidents, Commissioner Nyathi urged drivers to adhere to dual carriageway regulations.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges motorists to abide by the country’s road rules and regulations in order to curb road accidents. Above all, motorists are implored to avoid speeding on the country’s roads,” he mentioned.
