A head-on collision between a passenger bus and a commercial truck early this morning has left 24 people dead and over 30 injured. The crash occurred at the Lutumba tollgate along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway, a busy route in Zimbabwe.
According to witnesses, the bus was heading to Beitbridge when it collided with a truck traveling toward Chirundu. The truck was carrying 34 tonnes of magnesium at the time of the accident. The impact of the crash was severe, causing extensive damage to both vehicles.
Dr. Lenos Samhere, the Beitbridge District Medical Officer, confirmed the death toll. He said 17 people died instantly at the scene, while seven others passed away after being admitted to the hospital with serious head injuries. More than 30 survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals, with 12 reported to be in critical condition.
Emergency teams, including police, firefighters, and medical staff, quickly arrived at the scene. However, rescue efforts were hampered by the tollgate’s heavy traffic and the wreckage blocking the road. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash, but early reports suggest factors like driver fatigue, overloading, or vehicle failure may have played a role.
Local officials have promised a thorough investigation into the incident, focusing on driver behavior, vehicle conditions, and cargo weight limits. Meanwhile, the community is grieving the loss of lives, and hospitals are working around the clock to treat the injured.