President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the fatal Suswe road traffic accident along the Harare–Nyamapanda Highway a state of disaster, enabling Government to intensify support for victims and bereaved families after one of the country’s worst road tragedies in recent years.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, under the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, paving the way for enhanced mobilisation and coordination of emergency relief efforts.
According to preliminary findings, a Malawi-bound DNC luxury coach carrying 62 passengers — including seven children and three crew members — was involved in the crash on Tuesday in Suswe, Mudzi District. The accident claimed 17 lives, while 33 passengers were injured, with six reported to be in critical condition.
The coach was travelling towards Malawi when the incident occurred.
Honourable Garwe said the tragedy highlights the urgent need for stricter adherence to road safety regulations to protect lives on the country’s highways. He added that Government stands with the affected families and will provide necessary assistance, including burial support, to ensure dignified send-offs for the victims.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident as relief efforts remain underway.
