Following a tragic road accident that resulted in the loss of 27 lives, primarily among congregants of the African Apostolic Church, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced a State of Disaster.<\/p>\n
The incident took place along the Harare-Masvingo Highway, close to Honeyspruit Bridge in Chikomba District, situated approximately 130 kilometers south of Harare.<\/p>\n
A Nissan Caravan NV350 minibus, which was transporting church members, collided head-on with a Volvo truck, leading to a subsequent fire. At least seven other individuals sustained critical injuries.<\/p>\n
The Zimbabwean government confirmed that Mnangagwa has enacted the Civil Protection Act, officially designating the crash as a State of Disaster.<\/p>\n
This declaration enables officials to gather additional resources to support survivors and assist the families of the deceased.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the government is committed to covering medical costs for the injured and providing support with funeral and burial arrangements.<\/p>\n
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe stated that the authorities are organizing emergency assistance in light of the mass-casualty incident.<\/p>\n
According to police, the minibus was carrying members of the African Apostolic Church en route from Dema to Mvuma for a religious event when the crash occurred.<\/p>\n
Initial reports from the Zimbabwe Republic Police suggest that the truck was trying to overtake another vehicle when it collided with the minibus.<\/p>\n
Investigations by the police into the specifics of the accident are ongoing.<\/p>\n
The collision ignited a serious fire that left the minibus extensively burned.<\/p>\n
Many passengers were reportedly trapped inside as emergency services and local community members rushed to assist.<\/p>\n
Fire services worked to put out the flames, and heavy machinery was later enlisted for recovery efforts.<\/p>\n
Authorities are collaborating to officially identify the victims before disclosing their identities to the public.<\/p>\n
The current death toll has been confirmed at 27, with seven others injured.<\/p>\n
Officials have stated that the names of the deceased will be released once identification is complete and relatives have been notified.<\/p>\n
The incident has brought grief to the African Apostolic Church and the various communities connected to the victims.<\/p>\n
The truck involved was reportedly carrying equipment from South Africa.<\/p>\n
Government sources indicate that the haulage vehicle was transporting mining equipment from South Africa towards Goromonzi at the time of the crash.<\/p>\n
The driver escaped the incident and was later taken to Harare for medical care.<\/p>\n
No criminal charges have yet been filed against the driver, as responsibility will be determined based on the ongoing police investigation.<\/p>\n
The accident caused significant disruptions on the Harare-Masvingo Highway.<\/p>\n
The truck and its load blocked the roadway, prompting the use of heavy machinery for cleanup.<\/p>\n
The highway has now been reopened.<\/p>\n
As a crucial transport corridor, this route connects Zimbabwe with South Africa, facilitating important regional travel.<\/p>\n
This incident has heightened concerns regarding roadway safety on Zimbabwe’s main highways, especially regarding collisions involving large trucks, buses, and minibuses.<\/p>\n
Authorities have consistently cited speeding, hazardous overtaking, and driver error as significant factors in severe road accidents.<\/p>\n
This latest tragedy is particularly heartbreaking as many victims belonged to the same religious community traveling together for a church event.<\/p>\n
The Zimbabwean government has extended condolences to the families affected and the African Apostolic Church community.<\/p>\n
The focus will now shift to the police inquiry, particularly concerning the truck’s overtaking maneuver and any other contributing factors to the accident.<\/p>\n
With 27 fatalities confirmed, the Chivhu crash stands as one of the most severe road incidents in Zimbabwe’s recent history.<\/p>\n