MNANGAGWA DECLARES STATE OF DISASTER AFTER 27 DIE IN CHIVHU CRASH
By The Day Star
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following a horrific road accident near Chivhu that claimed 27 lives and left seven others critically injured.
The crash occurred at about 8:30pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, along the Harare–Masvingo Highway near Honeyspruit Bridge in Chikomba District, Mashonaland East Province.
According to Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, the accident involved a heavy truck carrying mining equipment from South Africa and a commuter omnibus carrying members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church travelling from Dema to Ndarikure in Mvuma.
The vehicles collided head-on, triggering an immediate fire that trapped several kombi passengers inside. Some of the victims suffered fatal burns.
“As at 29 August 2026, 27 people had been confirmed dead,” Garwe said in a statement issued on Saturday.
He said 24 people died at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries after being taken to Chivhu General Hospital.
Seven other people sustained critical injuries and remain admitted to Chivhu General Hospital.
The kombi driver died at the scene, while the truck driver survived and was taken by ambulance to Harare for further medical treatment.
Civil Protection structures, working alongside members of the public from Chivhu, responded swiftly to the accident, conducting search, rescue and recovery operations.
Small cranes were used to recover victims, while a fire tender was deployed to extinguish the blaze.
The heavy truck and mining equipment, which had blocked the entire carriageway, were subsequently removed using a heavy-duty crane, and the road has since been reopened to traffic.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Chivhu General Hospital mortuary for identification and post-mortem examinations.
Garwe said Government was working closely with relevant authorities and other stakeholders to establish the identities of the victims.
“The names of the victims will be released once the identification process has been completed and the information duly verified,” he said.
He said the declaration of a State of Disaster would enable Government to mobilise resources and coordinate assistance for affected families and survivors.
“The declaration of a State of Disaster will enable Government to mobilise the necessary resources and coordinate appropriate interventions to assist the affected families and survivors,” Garwe said.
Government extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends and members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church following the tragedy.
Garwe also wished the injured a speedy and full recovery, assuring the nation that measures were being taken to provide assistance and support to affected families and survivors.