A devastating road accident near the Manyame River Bridge on the Harare-Chitungwiza road has claimed the lives of at least 17 people. The tragedy occurred on Tuesday morning when a South Africa-registered haulage truck collided with a commuter omnibus (kombi) headed for St Mary’s in Chitungwiza.
The accident, which took place along Seke Road at Hunyani Bridge near Water Works, has been described as one of the deadliest on the Harare–Chitungwiza corridor in recent memory. Initial reports suggest that a reckless move by a Honda Fit driver may have triggered the deadly chain of events.
According to The Herald, the horrific accident is believed to have been triggered when the Honda Fit allegedly veered into the truck’s path. In a desperate attempt to avoid a collision with the Honda Fit, the truck driver swerved into the opposite lane but ended up crashing head-on with an oncoming kombi.
The force of the crash was so severe that the kombi was dragged and crushed beneath the truck’s massive weight. Rescue teams arriving at the scene found the kombi completely flattened.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and managed to pull twelve people from the wreckage. Three were transported to the hospital in critical condition, while the rest were declared dead on site. The recovery of additional bodies later brought the confirmed death toll to 17.
Among the deceased were two children and two pedestrians who were initially struck by the truck before it collided with the kombi. Witnesses reported that the truck encroached into the opposite traffic lane while trying to avoid a collision with the Honda Fit in its lane. New witness accounts further allege that the truck may have suffered a mechanical failure – possibly a broken prop shaft – moments before the impact.
Police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident, stating: “The ZRP confirms a road traffic accident which occurred this morning along Chitungwiza Road involving a haulage truck and a kombi.” He urged patience from the media and public as police officers attended the scene, promising that more details would be released in due course.
Rescue teams at the scene initially reported 17 fatalities, warning that the death toll could potentially rise as recovery operations continued. According to The Herald, rescue teams have so far recovered 17 bodies from the wreckage, with recovery operations still underway into the afternoon. The kombi was completely flattened after the runaway truck collided with it and landed on top, trapping passengers beneath.
Scenes at the site have been harrowing, with grieving family members collapsing in anguish as they identified their loved ones. The road remains closed as rescue and forensic teams continue working under difficult conditions to clear the wreckage and investigate the exact cause of the tragedy. Traffic has been heavily backed up along the busy route, with authorities urging motorists to seek alternative routes.
Authorities have since confirmed that 17 people died instantly. Three others are in critical condition and are receiving emergency treatment at the nearest hospital. The police are continuing investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash. Police have cordoned off the area, and efforts are underway to identify the deceased.
Zimbabweans have taken to social media to express their sorrow and solidarity with the families of the 17 victims who lost their lives in the tragic Seke Road accident. Many described the incident as a heartbreaking loss for the nation and extended prayers for comfort and healing.
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