The tragic accident along the Harare-Chirundu Highway at the 227-kilometre peg serves as a grim reminder of the dangers present on the roads, particularly for heavy vehicles.
On that fateful Thursday, a haulage truck driver lost his life in a devastating fiery crash following a head-on collision with a Honda Fit vehicle.
The incident, confirmed by Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera, occurred around 11:30 AM and has raised serious concerns about road safety in the area.
It was reported that the Honda Fit, traveling from Kariba to Harare with one passenger, unexpectedly veered into the oncoming lane where the Freightliner haulage truck was navigating.
As the two vehicles collided, the Honda Fit flipped over once but miraculously landed back on its wheels, allowing the passenger to escape unharmed.
Unfortunately, the haulage truck, which was towing a lime-loaded trailer, was not as fortunate, as it tipped onto its side and was engulfed in flames, effectively trapping the driver inside.
Firefighters who responded to the scene could only recover the driver’s remains, burnt beyond recognition, highlighting the severity of the crash.
The driver of the Honda Fit, though injured, was rushed to Karoi District Hospital and is reported to be stable, indicating that while he suffered from the collision, he survived the ordeal.
Inspector Kohwera’s comments on the increasing number of road accidents reflect a worrying trend that underscores the need for motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations.
These accidents serve as a harsh reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving and the heavy toll it can take on families and communities.
The highway, noted for its high traffic volumes and heavy vehicles, poses significant risks, and authorities are calling for heightened awareness and vigilance among drivers.
In the wake of this tragedy, there is a pressing need for improved road safety measures and public education campaigns to mitigate the risks faced by drivers and passengers alike on major highways.
Ultimately, the loss of life in such preventable tragedies must galvanize a collective effort to enhance road safety, emphasizing that every driver has a role to play in preventing further accidents.
As the community mourns the loss of the truck driver, the focus must shift toward creating safer roads for all, ensuring that no family has to endure the heartache of losing a loved one to a senseless traffic accident.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM