Heart-Wrenching Chitungwiza Crash: Zimbabwe Mourns as 17 Lives Lost on Seke Road

Reporter

The Haulage truck involved in the accident being crane-lifted (image source)

A devastating tragedy unfolded on the morning of July 22 near Manyame Bridge along Chitungwiza Road, claiming 17 lives and igniting a national outcry over Zimbabwe’s deteriorating road safety standards. The crash involved a commuter omnibus (kombi) and a fully loaded haulage truck, which reportedly veered into oncoming traffic after hitting two pedestrians, leading to a catastrophic head-on collision. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that 15 kombi passengers and two pedestrians, including two children, died instantly.

Scene of Horror

Residents described the aftermath as a scene of horror. Mangled wreckage, the scent of diesel and metal, and the cries of survivors gripped the area as emergency services struggled to respond. According to witnesses, a Honda Fit allegedly swerved unexpectedly, forcing the truck to swerve, plowing across the median strip and into the kombi’s path. Rescue efforts were hampered by the massive weight and wreckage of the truck, requiring three cranes to lift the remains and retrieve those trapped underneath.

Emergency Response and Criticism

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the casualty count and said investigations are ongoing. Survivors were rushed to Chitungwiza Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. However, social media has erupted with criticism over delayed emergency response, lack of trauma preparedness at hospitals, and poor coordination among agencies. Many questioned why such a busy commuter route still lacked robust road dividers or emergency lanes.

Call for National Disaster Declaration

Chitungwiza Mayor Rosaria Mangoma has formally urged the government to declare the crash a national disaster, highlighting the tragic loss of life and the scale of emotional and financial trauma facing families. The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe confirmed that insurance claims and funeral assistance are now being activated.

National Road Safety in Question

Zimbabwe’s road network has come under increasing scrutiny in 2025, with transport authorities already facing backlash over the Beitbridge crash in February. Official statistics indicate that a road accident occurs every 15 minutes, and five people die daily on average—placing Zimbabwe among Africa’s most dangerous countries for road travel. This tragedy has again exposed gaps in infrastructure, emergency care, driver training, and vehicle fitness oversight.

Public Grief and Renewed Calls for Reform

Across Zimbabwe, people are grieving. Hashtags such as #PrayForChitungwiza and #RoadSafetyNow trended across platforms like Facebook and X. Tributes poured in from civic leaders, residents, churches, and NGOs, calling for immediate national dialogue on transport reform and accountability.

“This is not just a traffic accident,” said one mourner online. “This is a mirror of our national neglect. We can’t go on like this.”