A journey to a church gathering ended in tragedy in Zimbabwe after a minibus carrying worshippers was involved in a deadly collision with a haulage truck, leaving at least 27 people dead.
The crash took place on Friday evening in the Chivhu area of central Zimbabwe, south of Harare.
Initial information from the police indicates that the truck was overtaking another vehicle when it struck the minibus head-on. The minibus was carrying people travelling to a church conference.
Seven people were reported injured, while the total number of passengers in both vehicles had not been established.
The scale of the destruction was evident in footage broadcast by ZBC, which showed the minibus reduced to a badly damaged, charred wreck. The truck was also left off the roadway following the collision.
Road crashes remain a major concern in Zimbabwe, with authorities and road safety advocates frequently warning motorists about speeding, unsafe overtaking, poor road conditions and other dangerous practices.
The country’s extensive use of privately operated minibuses also remains a subject of concern, particularly where overcrowding and compliance with traffic regulations are involved.
The Chivhu crash adds to a history of deadly road accidents in Zimbabwe and has once again highlighted the urgent need for safer roads, responsible driving and stronger enforcement of traffic laws.
As investigations continue, relatives of the victims are being left to deal with the devastating loss of loved ones who were simply travelling to attend a religious event.
