A head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a haulage truck resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, as per police reports. The tragic incident took place near Chitungwiza, a town located about 15 miles southeast of the capital, Harare.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi reported that all 17 individuals died at the crash site. The accident occurred when the truck crossed into the opposing lane after losing control, first fatally hitting two pedestrians on the road’s median before colliding with the minibus taxi.
Fifteen of the 17 passengers in the minibus died immediately, while others were injured and taken to a hospital for medical attention. The state-run Herald newspaper noted that the minibus was completely crushed, with only remnants of its structure visible beneath the truck.
The accident scene featured twisted metal, broken glass, and debris strewn across the road. Rescue teams worked for several hours to extricate passengers from the wreckage. Though the crash occurred in the morning, recovery efforts extended into the afternoon, with bodies still being recovered by noon.
Chitungwiza Mayor Rosaria Mangoma urged the government to declare the incident a national disaster. Mangoma described the event as “one of the most disturbing and traumatic scenes” the town had observed.
This incident is part of a broader trend of fatal road accidents involving public transport in Zimbabwe. Authorities suggest that speeding is common as drivers aim to complete as many trips as possible, with poorly maintained roads adding to the hazards.
A similar tragedy occurred in February when 24 individuals died in a head-on collision between a bus and a truck near Beitbridge, close to the South African border. These events underscore the challenges facing Zimbabwe’s transportation infrastructure and safety measures.
The national statistics agency indicates that Zimbabwe experiences a road accident every 15 minutes, resulting in at least five deaths daily. This rate is among the highest road fatality rates on the African continent, affecting the country’s approximately 15 million residents.
The investigation into Tuesday’s crash continues as authorities seek to establish the circumstances leading to the truck driver’s loss of control. Police have not disclosed further details about the driver’s condition or other potential factors beyond the loss of control.
Emergency response teams from various agencies were involved in the rescue and recovery operation. The complexity of the accident, with severely damaged vehicles and trapped passengers, required extensive coordination among first responders throughout the morning and afternoon.
