Truck Carrying Sodium Cyanide Crashes Near Ruwa

A truck carrying Sodium Cyanide was involved in an accident on 26 June 2026 at about 6 pm, at the 50km peg near Ruwa on the Harare–Mutare Highway.

According to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Sodium Cyanide is a highly hazardous chemical. It is extremely toxic and can kill, depending on how much a person is exposed to and how the exposure happens.

In a public notice, EMA said emergency teams are now working to contain and recover the spilt material.

“The clean-up is being undertaken under the supervision of the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP),” EMA said.

“EMA officials are on site and have conducted a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to guide the emergency response and salvage operations.”

EMA has urged the public to follow key safety precautions after the accident.

People have been advised to keep a safe distance from the crash site and stay out of the affected area.

Touching, collecting, or interfering with the spilt substance, the truck, or any equipment involved is strictly prohibited.

EMA also warned against inhaling any dust or fumes and said people should not eat or drink anything that may have come into contact with the spill.

All instructions from EMA officials, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Civil Protection Unit and other emergency responders must be followed at all times.

The agency stressed that personal safety and protecting the environment should remain the priority throughout.