One Killed, Two Injured After Trailer Detaches From Sprinter And Hits 3 Pedestrians In Bulawayo

A routine afternoon turned tragic in Belmont, Bulawayo, when a trailer detached from a moving Mercedes Benz Sprinter and struck three pedestrians along Plumtree Road, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.

The accident occurred around 1:30 PM on Monday, July 14, according to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

The vehicle, driven by a 36-year-old man from Nkulumane suburb, was towing an unregistered trailer when the coupling disengaged near the Lobels factory.

The trailer veered off course and hit three adult male pedestrians who were walking home from work along the roadside.

All three victims were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment. Sadly, Tongoreva Tavengwa (53) succumbed to his injuries upon admission.

The other two victims remain hospitalised, with their conditions reported as stable.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele urged motorists, especially those towing trailers, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and that all attachments are securely fastened. She said:

We appeal to all motorists to be vigilant on the roads, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

Those towing trailers must regularly inspect and secure all attachments to avoid disengagements that can lead to such tragic incidents.