Johnson Progress

A catastrophic traffic incident unfolded on Seke Road in Harare on Tuesday when a haulage truck carrying a grossly over-height container collided with a flyover bridge, shearing the cargo from its trailer and sending it crashing into three private vehicles on the roadway below.

In a remarkable stroke of fortune, all drivers and passengers involved escaped without physical injury despite the extensive damage to their cars. The accident occurred as the truck attempted to pass beneath the flyover, which has a clearly marked maximum height clearance of four metres.

According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary assessments, the container violently struck the bridge superstructure. The impact dislodged it from the trailer, causing it to tumble directly into the path of oncoming traffic.

The falling container landed with immense force on a Toyota Fortuner, a Mercedes-Benz, and a third, unspecified vehicle, significantly crushing their roofs and cabins.

Authorities have confirmed they will launch a full investigation into whether the truck driver and operating company adhered to mandatory safety protocols regarding load height verification before entering the flyover zone.

This incident has raised urgent questions about compliance and enforcement regulations for oversized cargo transport on urban roadways.

One of the directly affected motorists, Mr Clide Mashozheri, provided a harrowing account of his near-miss, describing how swift reflexes and providential timing spared his life.

He emotionally recounted the moments of the impact, stating that he witnessed the container falling and moved just in time to avoid being in the driver’s seat.

“I honestly thank God, I could’ve died,” Mr Mashozheri said.

“It happened so fast. I saw the container fall, and I quickly shifted into the passenger seat just before it landed on my car.”

Another driver, whose vehicle was positioned behind the Fortuner, explained that he was commuting into the city centre when the sudden disaster occurred.

He noted that despite his desperate attempt to maneuver out of the path of the falling container, he was unable to avoid being struck.

The chaotic scene prompted an immediate emergency response. Bystander Mr Jerico Kapfumo, who witnessed the event, commended the rapid actions of law enforcement personnel who were stationed nearby.

He emphasized that their prompt intervention was crucial in managing the aftermath and ensuring the safety of all involved parties.

“The police officers reacted very quickly,” Kapfumo observed, praising their efforts to secure the hazardous area and assist the shocked motorists.

The swift response helped prevent secondary accidents and facilitated the initial clearing of the major arterial road, which experienced severe traffic disruptions for several hours following the mid-day crash.

As investigations proceed, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potentially deadly consequences of logistical negligence in heavy goods transportation.