On the evening of Friday, at around 7 PM, a tragic accident on the Masvingo – Mutare Highway resulted in devastating consequences for a Gutu mshika shika (pirate taxi) driver, Rodrick Masiyambiri, aged 59, who now faces life-altering challenges after losing his right forearm.
The collision occurred at the 10km peg when Masiyambiri’s Toyota Sienta was side-swiped by a 7-tonne truck, an encounter that turned catastrophic when his forearm, resting on the open window, became trapped against the driver’s door during the impact.
After the truck collided with his vehicle, Masiyambiri’s severed forearm fell onto the road, while the driver of the truck, after initially fleeing the scene, reportedly returned later, further complicating the tragic aftermath.
Emergency services quickly rushed Masiyambiri to Masvingo Provincial Hospital; however, the severity of his inj_ries necessitated a transfer to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for more specialized treatment.
Patience, Masiyambiri’s daughter, expressed the family’s anguish, recounting how her father, while driving with seven passengers, was caught off guard when the truck encroached upon his lane, leading to the grisly accident.
Samuel Gono, a fellow passenger and village head from Chief Makore’s area, corroborated the incident, emphasizing the luck of the other passengers who escaped unscathed.
The horrifying nature of this incident has reignited discussions about the dangers posed by the common practice among mshika shika drivers of allowing their arms to hang out of the windows while driving, a behavior authorities have long condemned due to its heightened risk of inj_ry in accidents.
As Masiyambiri remains in critical condition, the community has begun to rally around him, offering both emotional and logistical support during his recovery journey, which will undoubtedly be challenging considering his new reality without a limb.
Police investigations are currently underway to gather more details and establish accountability for the accident, while Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, the acting Masvingo Police Spokesperson, has stated he could not confirm the specifics of the accident at the time of reporting.
Families and friends of the victims are left reflecting on the incident, aware that a moment of carelessness can lead to life-altering consequences.
This heart-wrenching event serves as a painful reminder of the perils faced by those on the roads and highlights the pressing need to adhere strictly to road safety regulations.
Moreover, the outpouring of support for Masiyambiri underlines the strong community bonds that exist in Gutu, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left hoping for justice and urging greater awareness about the importance of road safety among taxi drivers and the general public alike.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
