Minibus Explosion on Zimbabwe Highway Kills About 18, Police Say
The blast underscores chronic risks in Zimbabwe’s crowded minibus system on a busy route to South Africa.
Overview
- Police say a commuter minibus exploded into flames on the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Highway, killing about 18 people.
- The crash site lies between Chipangali and the Gwanda tollgate near Bulawayo, and officers have not yet identified a cause.
- Investigators have not confirmed how many passengers were on board, and they plan to release more details as the inquiry proceeds.
- Minibus taxis are a main way to travel in Zimbabwe, and they are often overloaded and driven fast to squeeze in more trips.
- Zimbabwe records a road crash every 15 minutes with at least five deaths a day, and the busy Bulawayo–Beitbridge road has a history of fatal wrecks.