The Heroes and Defence Forces holidays turned tragic this year as 16 people lost their lives and several others were seriously injured in three separate road accidents across Zimbabwe. The accidents occurred in Nyanga, Marondera, and Harare, casting a shadow over the national celebrations.
In Marondera, a devastating head-on collision claimed the lives of five people on Heroes Day. The accident happened on the Harare-Mutare Highway when a Toyota Iris, carrying seven passengers, crashed into a Freightliner truck. Three other passengers were injured in the crash, adding to the toll of a tragic day.
Harare also witnessed a deadly accident on Defence Forces Day. A Toyota Hiace kombi, carrying 15 passengers, sideswiped a Mazda Bongo van at the corner of St Patrick’s and Seke roads in Hatfield. The impact caused the Toyota Hiace to collide head-on with a Nissan Caravan kombi, which was carrying 18 passengers. This accident resulted in the deaths of three people and left 32 others injured.
Another horrific accident occurred in Nyanga on Defence Forces Day when a Hino Dutro truck, carrying 64 church members, veered off the road at the 34km peg along the Nyanga-Rwenya Road. The truck was descending a steep slope and trying to negotiate a sharp curve when it lost control. Five people were killed instantly, and 60 others were injured, with some passengers being thrown out of the truck and dragged along the road for about 30 meters.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of road accidents, especially during holidays. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged drivers to exercise extreme caution on the roads, particularly when overtaking or navigating challenging road conditions. “Drivers must avoid overtaking in unsafe situations,” he said, emphasizing the importance of safety measures.
The police also reminded church leaders and event organizers to ensure that appropriate and safe transportation is provided for large gatherings. The tragic accidents involving church members highlight the need for well-maintained vehicles and responsible driving.
In a separate incident, another Nissan Caravan kombi carrying 12 passengers overturned along the Magadzire-Dazi Road near Nyagoma village. The vehicle failed to climb a steep hill and rolled backward before overturning multiple times, resulting in the deaths of three passengers.
Commissioner Nyathi stressed the importance of regular vehicle maintenance to prevent such tragedies. “Vehicles, whether public or privately owned, should be regularly serviced, checked, and certified fit to be on the roads,” he said. This reminder comes as the country faces increasing road fatalities, many of which could be prevented with proper vehicle care and responsible driving.
The injured passengers from these accidents are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals, including Victoria Chitepo Provincial, Nyanga District, and Regina Coeli Mission hospitals. The nation mourns the loss of those who perished in these tragic accidents, while the survivors and their families face a long road to recovery.
As Zimbabweans reflect on the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, the devastating accidents serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety. The authorities continue to investigate the causes of these crashes, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In the wake of these incidents, the ZRP is likely to intensify road safety campaigns, urging drivers to be more vigilant and responsible. The hope is that by learning from these tragedies, future holidays can be celebrated without the shadow of such heartbreaking loss.
Source: Newsday
