Horific Accident along Harare-Shamva Road Claims 9

A horrific road accident claimed the lives of nine people on Thursday evening, October 11, along the Harare-Shamva Road. The accident occurred at the 88-kilometer peg, involving a Toyota Sienta carrying 13 passengers and a Toyota Land Cruiser with three occupants.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Sienta, traveling towards Shamva, struck a cow before veering into the oncoming lane. The subsequent head-on collision with the Land Cruiser resulted in the tragic loss of lives. Eight passengers in the Sienta died instantly, while another succumbed to their injuries at Shamva Hospital.

The remaining eight injured victims were rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Bindura Hospital, and Shamva Hospital for medical attention.

The accident has sparked outrage and concern among the public, as it comes barely weeks after another road accident claimed the lives of five children in Bindura. Local residents have expressed their frustration with the reckless behaviour of some commuter operators, who often overload vehicles beyond their safe capacity.

The Sienta, despite being designed to carry a maximum of seven passengers, was carrying 13 people at the time of the accident. This blatant disregard for safety regulations has contributed to the high rate of road accidents in Zimbabwe.

The police have urged motorists to exercise caution on the country’s roads and to adhere to all traffic rules and regulations. “Above all, drivers should prioritize road safety and observe all road rules and regulations in order to curb road accidents,” said Commissioner Chief Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations) Paul Nyathi.

The accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences of neglecting road safety. It is imperative that authorities take action to address the root causes of road accidents, including reckless driving, overloading, and poor road infrastructure.