BY LOMQHELE NXUMALO
A horrific vehicle explosion along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge road this afternoon has left an estimated 18 people presumed dead.The incident occurred at the Much Binding area between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. According to official reports, the Toyota Quantum involved was completely destroyed in the blast.
The force of the explosion was reportedly so immense that one victim’s body was recovered nearly 100 meters from the primary wreckage.
To manage the heavy flow of traffic on the road, authorities opened a one-kilometer detour, allowing motorists to bypass the cordoned-off blast site while investigators comb the area for evidence.The ZRP, in a joint operation with the national army, has launched a high-level probe into the cause of the disaster.
While the official cause remains unconfirmed, preliminary reports suggest the Toyota Quantum may have been illegally transporting commercial explosives. “We are working closely with forensic experts to determine the exact nature of the cargo,” a police spokesperson stated.
Official figures are still being verified due to the severity of the explosion, but the ZRP confirmed that approximately 18 individuals were believed to be in the vehicle at the time of the blast. Recovery efforts are ongoing.
Reporting Note:This is a developing story. Details regarding the identities of the victims and the confirmed cause of the explosion will be updated as soon as official police reports are made available.
