Authorities have issued an urgent public safety warning following a road traffic accident involving a truck carrying sodium cyanide along the Harare-Mutare Highway in Ruwa, prompting emergency response operations and renewed calls for residents to avoid the affected area.
According to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the accident occurred near the 500-metre peg close to TM Pick n Pay in Ruwa at approximately 1800 hours on June 26.
“The Environmental Management Agency wishes to notify members of the public of a road traffic accident involving a truck transporting sodium cyanide, a highly hazardous chemical that is extremely toxic and potentially fatal depending on the level and route of exposure,” EMA said in a public information notice.
Emergency response teams from the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), EMA and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) were deployed to contain and recover the spilled substance.
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EMA officials also conducted a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to guide the emergency response and clean-up operations.
The Ruwa Local Board said the safety of residents remained its foremost concern as authorities continue managing the incident.
“Residents are urged to carefully read and adhere to the Environmental Management Agency public advisory, which provides important information on the affected area, safety precautions and the ongoing emergency response,” the local authority said.
The board also warned members of the public to stay away from the accident scene until it has been declared safe by relevant authorities.
“Members of the public are strongly encouraged to avoid the accident scene until the area has been officially declared safe by the relevant authorities,” the statement said.
EMA advised residents to keep a safe distance from the affected area and avoid any contact with the spilled chemical.
“Do not touch, collect, or interfere with the spilled substance, the truck, or any associated equipment,” EMA said.
The agency further warned residents against inhaling dust or fumes and urged them not to consume any materials that may have come into contact with the spill.
The Ruwa Local Board said community safety remained the highest priority.
“The safety and well-being of our community remains our highest priority, and we urge everyone to cooperate with emergency responders and follow all official guidance,” the board said.
EMA said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates as more information becomes available.
