SEVEN people died on the spot while 18 others were injured when a haulage truck they were travelling in was involved in an accident in Hauna this Sunday.
The truck which was ferrying bananas and sugarcane was involved in the accident after the driver lost control on a steep slope due to brake failure.
“Shortly after taking off from Hauna and going down a steep terrain the car lost brakes,” said Tendai Makwami, the driver.
“When the truck was involved in an accident I was trapped in the truck covered by bananas. I was rescued after I raised my hand to alert people that I was trapped, I was then helped together with my child that I was carrying,” said one survivor.
According to Hauna District Medical Officer, Dr Cephas Fonte, those who were injured have been admitted at Hauna hospital, with four others being transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial hospital.
“It was around 7.30 Sunday Evening when we received the news that a lorry carrying horticulture produce was involved in an accident. We admitted a total of 18 people and we transferred 4 to Victoria Chitepo Provincial hospital. Seven people died on the spot,” he said.
Area legislator Honourable Chido Madiwa described the accident as tragic.
“The situation here is quite disturbing following the death of seven people. The people who perished are our farmers and we are saddened by the loss,” said the legislator.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident, urging the public to minimise travelling as the country continues to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
Honde Valley’s sloppy terrain has been a major contributor to accidents in the area.— ZBC