Trucks Pile Up On Harare–Masvingo Highway, Block Flow of Traffic

A stalled convoy of heavy trucks caused major gridlock on the Harare–Masvingo highway, disrupting traffic, delaying cargo, and exposing gaps in road recovery systems (image source)

A major traffic bottleneck developed early this morning on the Harare–Masvingo highway after a long convoy of heavy goods vehicles stalled near the 60-kilometre mark, bringing traffic to a standstill and disrupting the flow of commuters and freight between the capital and the southern provinces. Drivers, commuters and transport operators described long delays, mounting frustration and growing safety concerns as the backlog stretched for kilometres in both directions. The pile-up began shortly after dawn when a combination of mechanical breakdowns, narrow shoulders and limited passing opportunities forced several articulated trucks to slow and stop. With little room to manoeuvre and a steady stream of additional heavy vehicles arriving from both directions, traffic quickly became gridlocked. Motorists reported that what might have been a manageable delay escalated into a multi-hour disruption as recovery and traffic management resources struggled to clear the scene.

Local traffic authorities said emergency teams were dispatched as soon as the incident was reported, but the scale of the congestion and the size of the vehicles involved complicated recovery efforts. Tow trucks and traffic officers worked to create alternating single-lane flows to allow emergency and essential vehicles through, while police diverted light vehicles onto secondary roads where possible. By mid-morning, authorities had managed to clear a narrow corridor for one-way traffic, but full restoration of normal flow was not expected until heavy recovery equipment could remove disabled trucks and redistribute loads.

The economic impact was immediate. Perishable cargoes, including fresh produce destined for Harare markets, were delayed, raising concerns about spoilage and losses for smallholder farmers and traders. Transport operators warned of cascading costs: demurrage charges, missed delivery windows and increased fuel consumption as drivers idled in the queue. Several long-distance passenger services reported cancellations or extended journey times, leaving travellers stranded at roadside stops and informal laybys.

Road safety advocates highlighted the broader risks of prolonged truck congestion on a major arterial route. Stalled vehicles increase the likelihood of secondary collisions, reduce visibility for approaching drivers and create hazardous conditions for pedestrians and roadside vendors. The Harare–Masvingo highway, a critical link for commerce and mobility, has sections with limited emergency laybys and narrow shoulders, making breakdown management more difficult and amplifying the consequences of any incident.

Transport unions called for a coordinated response to prevent similar disruptions. They urged the Road Administration and Safety Agency (RASA) and the Ministry of Transport to invest in rapid-response recovery units strategically positioned along major corridors, to enforce regular vehicle maintenance standards for heavy goods vehicles, and to improve roadside infrastructure such as pull-outs and emergency lanes. Operators also recommended staggered departure windows for heavy freight during peak travel periods to reduce the likelihood of large convoys forming.

Meanwhile, commuters were advised to seek alternative routes where possible and to allow extra travel time. Local authorities used radio bulletins and social media to update motorists on diversion routes and the status of recovery operations. Businesses reliant on timely deliveries were urged to contact suppliers and logistics partners to manage expectations and mitigate losses. As recovery teams continued work into the afternoon, officials pledged a full investigation into the causes of the pile-up and a review of contingency plans for major highways. For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of transport networks and the need for proactive measures to keep vital arteries open, particularly as freight volumes and road usage continue to rise across the country.