A devastating road accident in Ruwa claimed the life of a woman on Sunday evening after a Toyota Hilux double cab was side-swiped by a haulage truck along the busy Mutare Road, leaving behind a scene of destruction that shocked eyewitnesses.
The fatal collision occurred near the tollgate, on a stretch of road notorious for heavy traffic and frequent accidents. According to initial reports, the Toyota Hilux, a silver double cab, was travelling towards Harare when it was struck by the massive truck. The impact sent the smaller vehicle tumbling off balance before it overturned and came to rest on its side at the edge of the highway.
When first responders arrived, the Hilux was a mangled wreck. Its roof had been crushed, the windows shattered, and debris littered across the roadside. Jagged pieces of metal and shards of glass sparkled under the fading daylight as onlookers gathered in disbelief. Some described the crash as one of the worst they had witnessed on the road in recent weeks.
Unfortunately, the wife of the driver did not survive the horrific crash. She was pronounced dead at the scene, while her husband—the driver of the Hilux—was rushed to hospital with injuries. Authorities could not immediately confirm if there were other passengers in the vehicle at the time of the accident, but witnesses reported seeing emergency services transporting more than one injured person to nearby medical facilities.
“I just saw the truck clip the Hilux, and suddenly everything spun out of control,” said one motorist who witnessed the collision. “It happened so fast—the Hilux rolled and then landed on its side. People were screaming, and others ran to try and help.”
The haulage truck involved in the crash reportedly continued down the road for a short distance before pulling over. Police officers and emergency crews quickly secured the scene, redirecting traffic that had begun to back up in both directions.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident, stating that investigations were underway to determine the precise circumstances that led to the crash. “We can confirm a fatal road traffic accident along Mutare Road near Ruwa involving a haulage truck and a Toyota Hilux. One female passenger lost her life, while the driver and others sustained injuries. Our officers are carrying out investigations to establish the cause,” he said.
Tragedy on Mutare Road as Haulage Truck Side-Swipes Toyota Hilux, Claiming One Life
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers posed by Zimbabwe’s major highways, particularly those frequented by heavy trucks transporting goods between Harare, Mutare, and regional ports. Mutare Road is one of the busiest routes in the country, serving as a key trade link, but it has gained a grim reputation for deadly accidents involving haulage trucks and smaller vehicles.
Transport safety experts have long raised concerns about the risks of mixing heavy-duty trucks and light vehicles on narrow stretches of road that lack adequate safety features. In many cases, fatigue, speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and driver negligence are cited as contributing factors.
Local residents who live along the highway expressed frustration that accidents continue to claim lives despite repeated calls for improved road safety measures. “We are losing too many people on this road. Every month there seems to be a serious accident involving a haulage truck. Something must be done,” said a Ruwa resident who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has repeatedly urged motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving along highways, particularly when overtaking or navigating near heavy trucks. Drivers are reminded to maintain safe following distances, avoid reckless maneuvers, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
Meanwhile, the grieving family of the deceased woman is left to grapple with a sudden and heartbreaking loss. Community members in Ruwa have already begun extending condolences and offering support as they await official confirmation of her identity.
This latest tragedy adds to the rising toll of road fatalities recorded across the country. According to official statistics, Zimbabwe loses hundreds of lives annually to traffic accidents, with highways like Mutare Road ranking among the most hazardous.
As investigations continue, the accident serves as another grim reminder of the urgent need for stronger enforcement of traffic laws, better road infrastructure, and heightened awareness among motorists. For now, a family mourns, and a community is left shaken by yet another preventable loss on Zimbabwe’s roads.
Source- ZimEye
