Fifteen Injured in Seke Road Commuter Omnibus Collision

Fifteen passengers were seriously injured in a collision involving two commuter omnibuses along Harare’s Seke Road (image source)

HARARE — At least fifteen passengers were seriously injured on Tuesday afternoon after two commuter omnibuses collided along the busy Seke Road, in an accident eyewitnesses described as sudden and violent.

According to accounts from the scene, a white kombi travelling from Chitungwiza and carrying a full load of passengers was allegedly cut off by a yellow kombi attempting to turn right across traffic. The manoeuvre reportedly left the oncoming vehicle with no time to brake, resulting in a direct and forceful impact.

Fifteen passengers from the white kombi sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital with the assistance of emergency services and passers-by. Hospital officials confirmed that although the injuries were severe, no fatalities had been recorded at the time of reporting.

The yellow kombi was reportedly carrying only its driver, who escaped without serious injuries. Witnesses said the driver appeared shaken but was able to walk away from the scene. Police had not released an official statement by the time of publication, but investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are under way.

Road safety experts say the incident underscores ongoing concerns about reckless driving and poor compliance with traffic regulations among some commuter omnibus operators. Seke Road, a major artery linking Harare and Chitungwiza, is a known accident hotspot, particularly during peak hours when competition for passengers intensifies.

Residents and transport analysts have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, clearer road markings and tighter regulation of public transport operators. With commuter omnibuses often overloaded and drivers under pressure to maximise daily earnings, risky driving practices remain common.

For families of the injured, the festive season has been overshadowed by anxiety and hospital visits. Community members have rallied to assist victims, with some donating blood and others supporting relatives at medical facilities. As investigations continue, the accident has renewed calls for urgent reforms to improve road safety and protect commuters on Zimbabwe’s roads.