Seven passers-by were killed at an accident scene along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road after a speeding haulage truck veered off the road and struck people who had gathered following an earlier crash on Friday night.
The tragic incident occurred at around 10PM on Friday, 3 April 2026, in the Mawabeni area, according to information shared by Matabeleland South Provincial Civil Protection Committee chairperson Zachariah Jusah.
The victims were among community members who had gathered at the scene after multiple vehicles were involved in an earlier accident.
The incident began when two vehicles collided at a bridge in the Mawabeni area.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Zachariah Jusah explained how the situation escalated.
“A Nissan March and a Toyota Probox rammed into each other at a bridge in Mawabeni area. Both cars were headed towards Gwanda.”
He said the situation worsened shortly afterwards when another vehicle became involved.
“A kombi that was headed in the same direction rammed into the stationary vehicles. Six people were injured and rushed to hospital.”
The crash drew attention from nearby residents and motorists, with several people reportedly gathering at the scene to observe and assist.
Moments later, tragedy struck when a haulage truck travelling towards Bulawayo approached the scene.
Jusah described the devastating moment:
“Community members ran to the scene to view the accident. A haulage truck headed towards Bulawayo passed by at high speed and hit people, killing five on the spot while two died on their way to hospital.”
Seven people were confirmed dead following the incident.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims at the time of publication.
Emergency services attended the scene and transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
The Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road is one of Zimbabwe’s busiest highways, linking southern Zimbabwe to neighbouring South Africa, and has recorded numerous serious accidents in recent years.
Investigations into the incident are expected to continue as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
No further official comment had been released at the time of publication.
