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Abigail Mawonde Herald Correspondent
A COMMUTER omnibus rammed a haulage truck in Harare yesterday morning, killing four passengers and injuring 16. Of the injured, five were in critical condition at Parirenyatwa Hospital.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Bulawayo Road and Tynwald, popularly known as “Mr Maplanka”.

The city-bound commuter omnibus rammed the haulage truck that had entered the intersection.

National Police Spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the accident. “I can confirm that a fatal accident involving a commuter omnibus and a haulage truck occurred this morning at Tynwald and Bulawayo Road intersection. Four people died on the spot while 16 were injured; five of the 16 are in a critical condition and have been taken to Parirenyatwa hospital,” she said.

The commuter omnibus was speeding and failed to stop hitting the haulage truck trailer.

It was carrying mostly traders on their way to Mbare Musika.

Police did not immediately release the names of the deceased as their next of kin were still to be informed of the tragedy.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba urged drivers to avoid speeding and exercise caution when ferrying passengers.

“They should have a conscience that they are ferrying people in order to avoid such nasty accidents,” she said.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba warned commuter omnibus drivers that police would “descend heavily on them” if they continue disregarding road use regulations.

She said there was need to be extra cautious when driving especially as the country approaches public holidays.

Zimbabwe celebrates its Heroes and Defence Forces holidays next week.

“And as we approach the Heroes holidays drivers are being urged to observe speed limits, never to drive under the influence of alcohol, avoid overtaking at blind rises and in front of oncoming vehicles and never to create extra lanes which has become a fashion for commuter omnibus drivers subjecting passengers to serious hazards.”