At Least 27 Dead in Zimbabwe Minibus and Truck Collision

A tragic head-on collision between a minibus and a cargo truck on a highway in central Zimbabwe has claimed the lives of at least 27 people. The accident occurred late Friday night on the Harare-Masvingo highway, near the town of Chivhu, approximately 140 kilometers from the capital, Harare.

Zimbabwean police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed the fatalities, stating, "Yes, we confirm a fatal road traffic accident that occurred yesterday at kilometer 130 of the Harare-Masvingo road, near Makumimavi Primary School. Twenty-seven people perished."

Following the impact, the minibus was engulfed in flames and completely destroyed, as shown in videos circulating on local media. Two survivors, including the truck driver, are in critical condition and receiving medical treatment. Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Road accidents are a frequent occurrence on Zimbabwe's roads. In a separate incident on June 16, at least nine people died and 26 were injured when a train collided with a bus. National statistics from 2025 indicated that Zimbabwe recorded 2,419 deaths and 11,544 injuries from 59,928 reported accidents that year. The World Health Organization (WHO) previously identified Zimbabwe as having the highest rate of fatal road accidents in Southern Africa, with bus drivers and passengers accounting for 50% of road victims.

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Yes, we confirm a fatal road traffic accident that occurred yesterday at kilometer 130 of the Harare-Masvingo road, near Makumimavi Primary School. Twenty-seven people perished.