JUST IN: Police, Army and Fire Brigade comb bush for bodies as 18 feared dead in Quantum blast

Police and military personnel have joined the Bulawayo Fire Brigade on the scene at Much Binding, combing nearby bushland for bodies following the suspected explosives blast that left at least 18 people feared dead.

The area of the blast has now been cordoned off after some explosive fuselage were seen a few metres from a crate that was formed because of the blast.

At least 18 people reportedly died after a Toyota Quantum they were traveling in and believed to be transporting explosives suddenly burst into flames in the middle of the road at Much Binding outside Bulawayo on Thursday afternoon.

In a brief statement online, police said the incident occurred between Chipangali and the Gwanda tollgate between 1PM and 2PM.

“Breaking news: The ZRP reports the death of +/- 18 people when a kombi exploded into fire between Chipangali and Gwanda tollgate along Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road between 1300 hours and 1400 hours today. More details to be released in due course,” said the police.