Harare, (New Ziana) -The government has declared the fatal Deka Bridge road traffic accident in Hwange district, Matabeleland North province, a State of Disaster following the deaths of eight pilgrims when a vehicle they were travelling in plunged into the Deka River on Friday morning.
In a statement, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, said President Emmerson Mnangagwa made the declaration in terms of Section 27 (1) of the Civil Protection Act to enable the government to swiftly mobilise resources and support for affected families.
The accident occurred at Deka Bridge on 23 May 2026 and involved a Toyota Noah carrying pilgrims travelling from Makwa Roman Catholic Church to Hwange Town.
Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle veered off the bridge and plunged into the Deka River at around 6 AM, killing eight passengers on the spot while six others sustained injuries.
The injured are currently receiving treatment at Hwange Colliery Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the same hospital pending identification and burial arrangements.
Garwe said the declaration of a State of Disaster would allow the government to coordinate emergency assistance, including funeral support for bereaved families and medical assistance for survivors.
“Government emergency services, led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and supported by Civil Protection structures, responded swiftly to the scene,” he said, adding that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are underway.
Government also conveyed its condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The tragic incident has once again brought renewed attention to road safety concerns in the country, with authorities urging motorists and passengers to exercise caution and strictly observe traffic regulations to protect lives on the roads.
New Ziana
