Friday, October 31, 2025

Two Dead, Toddler Critical After Tragic Crash on Bulawayo–Beitbridge Highway

Two people were killed and a toddler left fighting for life after a horrific road accident involving a truck and a Honda Fit on the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Highway on Wednesday morning. The fatal crash occurred near the March Binding area, about 40 kilometres outside Bulawayo, sending shockwaves through local communities already reeling from a series of recent highway tragedies.

According to preliminary reports, the Honda Fit was travelling from Sipezeni toward Bulawayo when it was hit from behind by a truck that allegedly failed to give way. The impact of the collision was so severe that the smaller vehicle was crushed, trapping its occupants inside.

Bulawayo Fire and Rescue Services swiftly responded to the scene following distress calls from motorists who witnessed the gruesome crash. Firefighters worked tirelessly to free the victims who were pinned inside the wreckage. Unfortunately, two passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others, including a toddler, were rushed to hospital.

Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo confirmed the tragedy in a statement to B-Metro, revealing that one of the deceased was a school pupil.

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“There was a fatal road accident along the Gwanda Road at March Binding between a Honda Fit and a truck. Two people have been confirmed dead, one of them is a school child. Those who were trapped were extricated by the Brigade crew, and two patients were conveyed to the hospital by Brigade ambulance services. The toddler is in a critical condition,” Moyo said.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking, with debris scattered across the road and traffic backed up for several kilometres. Many drivers reportedly stopped to assist before emergency crews arrived. One witness said the truck appeared to have been travelling at a high speed moments before impact.

“The truck driver seemed to lose control for a few seconds before hitting the small car. It was a terrible sight — we could hear people crying inside the Honda Fit,” the witness recounted.

Police officers attended the scene shortly after the crash and assisted in redirecting traffic while conducting initial investigations. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Bulawayo’s United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) mortuary for post-mortem examinations.

Two Dead, Toddler Injured After Truck Collides with Honda Fit on Bulawayo–Beitbridge Highway

The accident has reignited calls for greater road safety awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic laws along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge highway, one of the country’s busiest and most dangerous routes. The highway, which serves as a major link between Zimbabwe and South Africa, has seen a series of deadly accidents in recent months, often blamed on reckless driving, speeding, and fatigue.

Authorities have repeatedly urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits, particularly on stretches of road undergoing repairs or marked by poor visibility. Transport experts have also emphasized the need for better signage, regular vehicle maintenance, and stricter penalties for negligent drivers.

A senior traffic police officer in Bulawayo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said investigations were underway to determine the exact cause of the collision.

“We are working to establish whether the truck driver was speeding or failed to keep a safe following distance. Both vehicles have been impounded for inspection, and witness statements are being recorded,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, in a separate but equally tragic incident, police in Harare are investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred on 24 October 2025 along Bulawayo Road near the Kuwadzana roundabout. A pedestrian was reportedly struck and killed by an unidentified motorist who fled the scene without stopping to render assistance.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has appealed to the public for information that could lead to the arrest of the driver involved in the Harare incident.

“We urge anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run to approach the nearest police station or contact our toll-free numbers. Leaving an accident scene without assisting victims is a serious criminal offence,” said national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

The recent spate of road accidents has once again highlighted the dangers on Zimbabwe’s major highways and the urgent need for improved road safety measures. Motorists are being reminded that safe driving saves lives, while authorities continue to push for collective responsibility to reduce the country’s growing road death toll.

As the toddler from the Bulawayo–Beitbridge highway crash battles for life in hospital, the tragedy serves as yet another painful reminder of the human cost of road carnage — and the importance of vigilance, patience, and accountability on Zimbabwe’s roads.

Source- iHarare

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