CHIVHU — Twenty-seven people died on Friday night when a commuter omnibus collided head-on with a haulage truck along the Harare–Masvingo highway.
The crash happened at about 8pm near Makumimavi Primary School, approximately 15 kilometres from Chivhu Business Centre, according to information released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the fatal accident, saying the collision occurred at the 130-kilometre peg along the highway.
“We confirm a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 130-kilometre peg along the Harare–Masvingo highway, near Makumimavi Primary School.
Twenty-seven people died. We will release more details about the accident later,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
The circumstances leading to the crash had not been fully established by the time of publication. Unconfirmed reports suggested that the commuter omnibus was carrying members of a local apostolic sect.
The vehicle reportedly caught fire after the impact and was reduced to a shell. The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Chivhu Hospital mortuary, according to preliminary reports.
Police are expected to provide further details as investigations continue.