Mnangagwa Declares State Of Disaster After 16 Die In Kombi Explosion

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following an explosion involving a South African-registered Toyota Quantum minibus along Gwanda Road near Bulawayo, which killed 16 people on Thursday afternoon.

The victims, reportedly mourners returning from a funeral in Nkayi, died when the kombi burst into flames between Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and Gwanda Tollgate.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a full investigation into the cause of the explosion, with witnesses reporting bodies scattered across the road and debris strewn over a wide area.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the President had declared the accident a State of Disaster.

“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, has declared a State of Disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act (Chapter 10:06) following the tragic accident that claimed sixteen (16) lives near Esigodini along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road,” said Garwe.

“This declaration enables the Government to mobilise and coordinate all necessary support for the affected families during this sorrowful period.”

Minister Garwe said preliminary investigations indicate that a Toyota Quantum belonging to Best Care Funeral Services of South Africa was travelling from Bulawayo along the Bulawayo–Gwanda Road with passengers on board when an explosive device detonated under unclear circumstances, killing all occupants.

“The accident claimed sixteen (16) lives. Some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition, while others were severely dismembered. This will necessitate DNA testing in order to positively identify the victims,” he said.

“This heartbreaking incident once again highlights the urgent need for strict adherence to road safety measures at all times.

“The Department of Civil Protection Unit, the police and other security apparatus are investigating and because of that, the cause of the accident is not yet known. We are so saddened as Government.”

Earlier on Thursday, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the death toll was estimated at around 18.