Yeukai Munetsi
At least 11 passengers sustained multiple injuries following a head on collision between a TATA truck carrying plastic pipes and a Sprinter mini-bus carrying eight passengers at the 270 kilometre peg along Bulawayo-Harare road, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed.
The accident occurred near Village Lodge.
It is reported that Bywalter Murungweni (32) of Mkoba 14 was driving the Sprinter heading towards Harare with eight passengers on board.
Tanaka Mpofu was driving a five tonne TATA truck along the same road but heading in the opposite direction. The truck was fully loaded with plastic pipes and had one passenger on the front passenger’s seat.
It is reported that Murungweni was at fault as he overtook in front of the oncoming TATA truck resulting in a head on collision.
“When they approached the 270 km peg and at the Village Lodge, the driver of the sprinter Murungweni overtook in front of the oncoming five tonne TATA truck and encroached into the opposite lane resulting in a head on collision.
“As a result of the impact, the sprinter veered off the road to the right and stopped with the trailer dislodged and was left on the eastern side edges of the road while the truck rolled back on its wheels and later stopped,” said an eye witness.
Both vehicles had extensive frontal damages.
Passengers from both vehicles sustained several injuries and were taken to hospital.
Acting Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Fungai Ngawagare urged motorists to follow road rules and extra caution when overtaking.
“As the ZRP, we kindly urge motorists to observe rules on the road and exercise extra caution when overtaking and pedestrians crossing the roads on foot.
“The passenger who was in the truck was injured and all occupants in the Sprinter sustained multiple injuries. Motorists are also urged to reduce speed when approach busy areas of the road,” said Ngawagare.
Scene was attended and the injured were taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital where they are admitted for treatment and their conditions were stable.
