Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
BULAWAYO – A horrific pre-dawn collision between a Botswana-registered haulage truck and a Honda Fit claimed two lives and left three others seriously injured on Plumtree Road early Monday morning, emergency services report.
The crash occurred around 2 AM near the Mganwini turn-off bridge. According to Bulawayo Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo, the Honda Fit, carrying three occupants, veered into the path of the oncoming truck.
“The Honda Fit collided directly with the truck’s diesel tank,” Officer Moyo stated
. “The impact was severe, trapping the car’s occupants in the wreckage.”
Brigade Team Two firefighters worked urgently to cut the Honda Fit’s crew free. Tragically, two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. The sole survivor from the car was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital with serious injuries.
The truck, reported to have just passed a police roadblock, swerved off the road upon impact.
“The driver and his passenger managed to escape the cab before the truck caught fire,” Officer Moyo confirmed.
Both truck occupants were also taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment.
The collision caused a significant diesel spill, with approximately 400 litres spreading across the bridge. A major containment operation was launched by the Bulawayo City Council Fire Department.
“Using Firechem foam, we managed to contain 95 percent of the spilled diesel by 9 AM,” Officer Moyo explained.
The response involved two fire engines, around a dozen firefighters, police units, and a representative from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with salt used to absorb the spill remaining on site.
“We are awaiting the arrival of the truck owner from Francistown, Botswana, to authorize the final removal and sweep,” Officer Moyo added, indicating the complex cross-border nature of the incident.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing.
Follow us for updates:
Twitter: @ZimGbc
Facebook: Zim GBC News
Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
YouTube: Zim GBC News
Website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News©2025