Antony Chawagarira
Government has declared the fatal Suswe road traffic accident along the Harare–Nyamapanda Highway a state of disaster following Tuesday’s tragic crash that claimed 17 lives and left dozens injured in Mudzi District.
The declaration was announced by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Minister Daniel Garwe, acting on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as authorities intensify relief efforts for victims and bereaved families affected by one of Zimbabwe’s deadliest recent road accidents.
According to preliminary investigations, the Malawi-bound DNC luxury coach was carrying 62 passengers, among them seven children and three crew members, when it was involved in the accident at Suswe along the busy Harare–Nyamapanda Highway.
Seventeen people died on the spot while 33 others sustained injuries, with six reported to be in critical condition at various medical facilities.
Minister Garwe said the declaration of the accident as a state of disaster enables Government and its partners to mobilise emergency assistance and coordinate support for survivors and grieving families.
He said Government remained committed to ensuring victims receive dignified burials while injured passengers continue to receive the necessary medical attention and psychosocial support.
“The tragic loss of life in this accident is deeply painful and calls for collective reflection on the importance of road safety and strict adherence to traffic regulations,” said Minister Garwe.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash, amid growing concern over road traffic accidents on the country’s major highways.The Suswe tragedy has once again reignited calls for improved road safety enforcement, stricter compliance with transport regulations, and greater caution by both public transport operators and motorists.
