President Declares State of Disaster After Gwanda Road Blast Kills 16
- Chipo Basira
- 17 Apr, 2026
President Declares State of Disaster After Gwanda Road Blast Kills 16
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster after 16 people died when a Toyota Quantum exploded on the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road near Gwanda on Thursday, 16 April 2026.
The explosion happened between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Much Binding area, between Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and the Gwanda tollgate, about 20 kilometres from Bulawayo. Police said the vehicle, a South Africa-registered Toyota Quantum belonging to Best Care Funeral Services, was travelling from Bulawayo toward Gwanda when an explosive material detonated inside. The cause is still under investigation.
The blast destroyed the vehicle.
Debris and human remains were scattered across nearly 50 metres. One body was found almost 100 metres from the wreckage. Another was found lodged in a tree about four metres high. An overhead communication cable was cut by the force of the blast.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police first reported about 18 deaths.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe later confirmed 16 people died. All passengers on board were killed.
Minister Garwe said the victims were travelling from Nkayi to Gwanda. “Some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition, while others were severely dismembered.
This will necessitate DNA testing in order to positively identify the victims,” he said.
Eyewitness Andrew Ncube arrived shortly after the explosion.
“When I arrived, there were bodies thrown all over the place. Some were on the sides of the road whilst others were lying in the middle of the road,” he said. He said two victims were alive when he arrived but died before the ambulance came.
One woman asked for water but passed away about five minutes later.
Emergency services, including the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, police, and military personnel, rushed to the scene.
The vehicle was already engulfed in flames and reduced to a shell.
Firefighters put out flames that had spread to nearby grass.
Police cordoned off the area and used a drone to search the surrounding bush for remains.
A bomb squad was also deployed.
Bulawayo chief fire officer Mhlangano Moyo confirmed his team responded.
“We dispatched a team to the scene and are working with other emergency services,” he said.
Fragments suspected to be explosive material were found near the wreckage. Officials have not confirmed if the vehicle was carrying explosives.
Minister Garwe visited the scene from Maphisa, where he had been assessing Independence Day preparations. He announced the President’s decision shortly after.
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde ED Mnangagwa, has declared a State of Disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], following the tragic accident that claimed 16 lives near Esigodini along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road,” Garwe said in a statement.
“This declaration enables Government to mobilise and coordinate all necessary support for the affected families during this sorrowful period.”
Police, the army, and the Department of Civil Protection are investigating the cause of the explosion.
Minister Garwe said the cause is not yet known. “We are so saddened as Government,” he said.
The crash caused major traffic delays. Police warned of delays of up to four hours on the Bulawayo–Esigodini road.
A temporary one-kilometre detour was opened to ease traffic.
Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Omphile Marupi urged drivers to use other routes.
“We are requesting that people use the Bushtick Road that passes through Sacred Heart and joins the Harare Road near Imbizo into Bulawayo.
Those from Bulawayo should use the Harare Road, turning right just before the Bulawayo tollgate and drive towards Falcon College and Sacred Heart, joining the Beitbridge Road at Esigodini,” he said.
The remains have been taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary in Mutare for post-mortem examination and forensic testing.
DNA tests will be used to identify victims.
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