PLUMTREE ROAD HORROR:TWO DEAD: Diesel truck burns after Honda Fit collision

TWO people died and two others were seriously injured in the early hours of Monday morning after a Botswana-registered haulage truck and a Honda Fit collided on Plumtree Road, just before the Mganwini turn-off bridge in Bulawayo.

The 2AM crash, according to Bulawayo Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo, happened when the Honda Fit, carrying three occupants, veered into the path of the truck, smashing into its diesel tank.

The car crew was trapped in the wreckage and had to be cut free by Brigade Team Two. Two died instantly, while one survivor was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital with serious injuries.

The truck, which had just passed a police roadblock, swerved off the road on impact. The driver and his passenger leapt from the moving rig before it caught fire — both are also admitted to Mpilo.

About 400 litres of diesel spilled across the bridge, with the Bulawayo City Council Fire Department containing 95 percent of it by 9AM using Firechem foam. Two fire engines, a dozen firefighters, police, and an EMA representative attended the scene.

Moyo said the salt used in the cleanup remained on site as they await the truck owner’s arrival from Francistown, Botswana, to authorise the final sweep.

herald online