Antony Chawagarira
More than 10 people have been confirmed dead following a horrific road traffic accident involving a cross-border passenger bus along the Harare–Nyamapanda Highway near Suswe on Tuesday afternoon, in yet another tragedy on Zimbabwe’s roads.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the accident involved a DRD Luxury Coach that was en route from Cape Town, South Africa, to Malawi, carrying 63 passengers. The bus is reported to have been travelling northwards when the crash occurred under circumstances that authorities are still investigating.
Police sources indicated that the impact of the crash was severe, resulting in multiple fatalities at the scene, while dozens of passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries. Emergency services and local residents swiftly responded, working together to rescue survivors trapped in the wreckage.
Injured passengers were ferried to nearby health institutions, including Mutoko District Hospital and Kotwa District Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Medical personnel at the scene described the situation as critical, with some victims admitted in serious condition. The stretch of road where the accident occurred is known for heavy traffic, particularly involving long-distance and cross-border buses.
The ZRP has since urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads, particularly public transport operators who undertake long-distance journeys. Authorities emphasised the importance of adhering to road safety regulations, including observing speed limits and ensuring drivers are adequately rested.This latest incident adds to a growing number of fatal road accidents in Zimbabwe, raising fresh concerns over road safety enforcement and the condition of public transport vehicles operating across borders. Stakeholders have repeatedly called for stricter monitoring systems, including routine vehicle inspections and enforcement of driver shift limits, to prevent such tragedies.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to notify next of kin for the deceased, while investigations continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the accident.
More details are expected to be released as authorities gather further information.
