Truck driver burnt beyond recognition

Conrad Mupesa,

Mashonaland West Bureau

A haulage truck driver travelling to Zambia died at the 227-kilometre peg along the Harare-Chirundu Highway when his vehicle veered off the road and landed on its left side, before exploding on Thursday last week.

Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the accident that occurred around 1130 hours after a Honda Fit vehicle driving towards the opposite direction encroached into the truck’s lane, resulting in a head-on collision.

“The driver of a Honda Fit, registration number AGG 9412 was driving from Kariba to Harare with one passenger on board when he collided head-on with a Freightliner haulage truck registration number AGJ 1339 towing a trailer loaded with lime going in the opposite direction.

“On reaching the 227km peg, the driver of the Honda Fit encroached into the lane of the haulage truck, resulting in the head-on collision,” he said.

The Honda Fit overturned once and landed on its wheels crossing its lane while the haulage truck veered off to the right side of the road and landed on its left side, trapping the driver inside.

“The truck caught fire and the driver was burnt beyond recognition. The driver of the Honda Fit sustained injuries and was taken to Karoi District Hospital for treatment and is in a stable condition,” he added.

The passenger escaped with no injuries.

Insp Kohwera said the police were concerned about the number of accidents on the roads.

“We continue to urge drivers to exercise extra caution when driving and to adhere to the road rules and regulations to avoid loss of life and property.”