Cape Town – A tragic accident at Hunyani Bridge along Seke Road in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, has claimed 17 lives after a South African-registered haulage truck collided with a commuter kombi.
In a statement, Zimbabwean police confirmed that the haulage truck, which had two drivers on board, was travelling towards Harare’s Central Business District when it veered into oncoming traffic and crashed into the kombi.
“The truck hit two pedestrians who were walking on the island of the road. The pedestrians died on the spot,” said the police.
“The truck went on to collide, head-on with a Nissan Caravan kombi travelling in the opposite direction towards Chitungwiza with 17 passengers on board.
Condolences on the Hunyani Bridge Tragedy & Urgent Call for Road Safety Reform
Labour Economists and Afrikans Democrats (LEAD) extends its deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by the devastating road traffic accident that occurred this morning at Hunyani… pic.twitter.com/wuovKJ9hLV
— Linda Tsungirirai Masarira (@lilomatic) July 22, 2025
“As a result of the collision, the truck dragged the Nissan Caravan kombi off the road and overturned. It then landed on top of the kombi and in the process trapping it.”
All 15 passengers in the kombi, including the driver, died on the spot, while three other passengers and the truck driver sustained injuries.
The victims — 10 females and 7 males — were taken to the Chitungwiza Hospital mortuary for post-mortem, while the injured were transferred to the same hospital for treatment.
Seventeen people perished today near Manyame bridge along Seke road after a haulage truck dismembered propshaft, veering off the road, encroaching the oncoming Kombi and crachlanded on its side burying it under heavy load with lives haplessly crying for help to death. So sad. pic.twitter.com/PAlT6llByc
— Ndawana Isaya (@NdawanaI) July 22, 2025
H.E @edmnangagwa has declared the tragic road accident that claimed 17 lives along Seke Road yesterday, a National Disaster. This was announced by @MoLGPWZim Min Hon D Garwe today to affected families at a memorial ceremony held in Chitungwiza@basera_john@HeraldZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/A6vwTB45Kl
— Ministry of Local Government and Public Works (@MoLGPWZim) July 23, 2025
The Labour Economists and Afrikans Democrats (LEAD), extended their condolences to the families and communities affected by the tragic accident.
“We mourn with the families of the deceased and pray for the recovery of the four individuals who were injured in this horrific incident.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may their families find strength in this painful time,” said Linda Tsungirirai Masarira, president of LEAD.
In response to the fatal accident, urgent calls have been made for comprehensive road safety measures — including stricter vehicle maintenance, driver training, speed limit enforcement, legislative reform, and enhanced roadside inspections — to prevent future tragedies and ensure safer roads across Zimbabwe.
“This tragedy must not pass as just another statistic. We call on:
“All public transport and freight operators to rigorously service their vehicles and ensure that drivers are trained, well-rested, and adhere to safety standards.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development should introduce and enforce strict speed limits for all public service vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, especially on urban roads and bridges.
“Parliament of Zimbabwe to urgently legislate a comprehensive Road Safety Bill that includes real-time vehicle monitoring systems, speed control enforcement, and routine roadworthiness audits.
“Law enforcement authorities should enhance roadside inspections and ensure only safe vehicles and responsible drivers are allowed to operate,” said Masarira.
She stressed the urgent need for accountability and reform, warning that too many lives are being lost to recklessness and preventable system failures.
“Too many lives are being lost to recklessness and preventable system failures.
“As a nation, we must prioritize the safety of every commuter and pedestrian.
“Zimbabwe must never normalise mass death due to transport negligence,” concluded Masarira.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
