Bulawayo Horror: Two Dead, Dozens Injured As Omnibus Ploughs Into Crowd Of Pedestrians And Vendors

Eyewitnesses described a scene of sudden terror as the blue Toyota ‘Baby Quantum’, which was picking up passengers at an undesignated spot, careered out of control. The vehicle struck people at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Lobengula Street shortly before 9 PM. It rammed into pushcarts and vending stalls before crashing into another commuter omnibus.

Witnesses Describe A Scene Of Sudden Carnage

Those present had no time to react. A witness at the scene, Andile Tshuma, confirmed the immediate aftermath. He stated:

“The vehicle just came hurtling. There were screams everywhere as people tried to scatter. It hit everything in its path.”

The driver reportedly attempted to flee on foot after the vehicle halted but was swiftly apprehended by the crowd and handed over to police. Officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the tragic outcome. A police spokesperson stated:

“We can confirm two people were killed on the spot and seventeen others were injured and rushed to hospital. Investigations into the cause of the accident are currently underway.”

Calls For Order Reignited After Latest Tragedy

The tragedy has thrown a harsh spotlight back onto the long-standing issue of illegal taxi operations in Bulawayo. The crash happened at an illegal pick-up point, just a short distance from the official Egodini taxi rank. This location is known for rampant, unregulated activity as drivers seek to load passengers faster closer to the CBD.

Bulawayo residents have repeatedly called for authorities to restore order in the city centre. This latest incident, resulting in multiple casualties, is expected to amplify those demands. Community leaders argue that the lack of enforcement creates dangerous conditions for commuters and vendors alike. One local vendor, who asked not to be named, told reporters:

“We are always at risk here. The drivers are in a rush, they do not care. We have nowhere else to go to sell our goods. Today it was them, tomorrow it could be any of us.”

The injured victims were transported to local hospitals, with some reported to be in a serious condition. Police have warned that the death toll could rise as investigations continue into the exact cause of the driver losing control.

A City Left Mourning And Seeking Answers

As the city mourns the loss of life, the focus turns to the ongoing investigation and the perennial issue of transport regulation. The site of the accident remained cordoned off on Thursday, 29 January 2026, a reminder of the previous night’s events.

The wrapped bodies of the deceased, removed by police, have left the community in shock and demanding action to prevent a repeat of such a disaster.