By Naledi Nyoni
TRIANGLE — Police have released the names of six of the nine people who died in a horrific road traffic accident at a rail-level crossing along Mbizi Road in Triangle on Tuesday morning.
The collision occurred when a Makuku Bus travelling from Chikombedzi to Masvingo entered a level crossing and was struck by an oncoming goods train travelling from Triangle to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) Lundi siding.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the crash occurred at around 8:34am on June 16 and left nine people dead while 29 others sustained injuries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Nyathi said investigations and victim identification efforts were continuing, with three of the deceased yet to be formally identified by their next of kin.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police message on X platform regarding a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 16th June 2026 at around 0834 hours at the rail-level crossing along Mbizi Road, Triangle, where nine people were killed while 29 others were injured,” Nyathi said.
Police identified the deceased as Knowledge Chivava of Section 64, Triangle; Shepard Shumba (18) of Section 64, Triangle; Maria Hlabwani (40) of Nyahombe; Tinashe Mushindi (18) of Section 65, Triangle; Chinguvo Lucia (49) of Mapepa Area; and Learnmore Mutize (2) of Section 63, Triangle.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police releases the names of six of the nine victims who perished in the accident. They were identified by their next of kin,” Nyathi said.
He added that the identities of the remaining three victims would be released once the identification process had been completed.
“The names of the other three victims who perished will be released in due course after the victims have been identified by their next of kin,” he said.
The fatal crash has renewed concerns over road safety and compliance with traffic regulations, particularly at rail crossings.
Nyathi urged motorists to exercise caution and obey traffic laws to prevent further loss of life on the country’s roads.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that drivers should observe all road rules and regulations to safeguard human lives,” he said.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are continuing.
