Gwanda Kombi Explosion: Bomb Squad Deployed as Death Toll Reaches 18

GWANDA – Investigations into the deadly kombi explosion along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road have intensified, with authorities deploying a bomb disposal unit amid growing questions over the cause of the blast that killed at least 18 people. The tragedy occurred between 1 PM and 2 PM on Thursday near the Much Binding area, between Chipangali and the Gwanda tollgate, about 20 kilometres from Bulawayo.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the victims were travelling in a South Africa-registered Toyota Quantum when the vehicle suddenly caught fire and exploded.

“The ZRP reports the death of approximately 18 people when a kombi exploded into fire between Chipangali and Gwanda tollgate along Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road,” police said in a statement.

The explosion was so powerful that debris and human remains were scattered across a wide radius. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene.

“We heard a loud blast and saw flames shoot into the air. When we got closer, the vehicle was gone just pieces everywhere,” said one motorist who arrived shortly after the incident.

Authorities have since deployed specialised units, including a bomb squad, to the scene an unusual move that has heightened speculation about the nature of the explosion. While officials have not confirmed the presence of explosive materials, investigators are treating the site as a high-risk area.

“We are proceeding with extreme caution as investigations continue,” a senior police source said.

Security experts say the involvement of a bomb disposal unit suggests authorities are considering multiple possibilities.

“When a bomb squad is deployed, it indicates uncertainty about the cause whether mechanical, accidental, or deliberate,” said security analyst Admire Mare.

The force of the explosion completely destroyed the vehicle and reportedly scattered wreckage and body parts over nearly 50 metres. There are unconfirmed reports that one victim was found a considerable distance from the blast site, underscoring the intensity of the explosion. Emergency services, including the army, police, and fire brigade, quickly moved in to secure the area and extinguish flames that had spread to nearby grassland.

The incident caused major disruption along one of Zimbabwe’s busiest highways, linking Bulawayo to Beitbridge. Motorists faced delays of up to four hours as emergency teams worked at the scene. Authorities later opened a temporary one-kilometre detour to ease congestion. Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe attended the scene as part of the government’s coordinated response.

Meanwhile, families of the victims are awaiting formal identification processes, with authorities yet to release the names of those who perished. Police say investigations are ongoing, with forensic teams combing through the wreckage to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

At this stage, authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including mechanical failure, fuel-related causes, or other factors. The incident ranks among the deadliest road-related tragedies in recent years and has sent shockwaves across the country.

Gwanda kombi explosion 2026