Woman Dies In Freak Accident After Being Hit By Runaway Truck Tyre

Freak Accident Claims Life Of Woman Hit By Loose Truck Wheel

A young woman’s life was tragically cut short in a freak incident after she was struck and killed by a runaway tyre which had dislodged from a haulage truck. Nokutenda Chituri, a 20-year-old woman from Karoi, was waiting for a grocery delivery on the roadside when the unthinkable happened.

Mashonaland West Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, confirmed the devastating details. The incident occurred on Wednesday, 5 November 2025.

Inspector Kohwera told H-Metro:

“Chituri was hit on the head by one of the two rear wheels of a haulage truck which dislodged and rolled towards her. As a result of the impact, Chituri sustained injuries and died on the spot. Investigations are still underway.”

The police spokesperson emphasised the need for vigilance within the transport sector, urging companies to ensure their vehicles are properly serviced to prevent such devastating losses.

A Disturbing Pattern On Zimbabwe’s Highways

Tragically, this is not an isolated event. In a chillingly similar incident last year, a promising young doctor also lost his life. Dr. Tinotenda Madzima, a 30-year-old government medical officer at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, was killed on 3 January 2024.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police reported that Dr. Madzima was walking along the Harare-Chirundu Road when a wheel dislodged from a Scania haulage truck, striking him from behind. The police statement confirmed the young doctor died instantly at the scene.

That incident was preceded by another just four days earlier, where a police constable in Marondera also lost her life after being hit by a dislodged truck wheel.

Calls For Increased Road Safety Intensify

In the wake of these repeated tragedies, authorities are reiterating their calls for improved safety standards. The police statements from both incidents highlight a clear and present danger on the roads. Following the recent death of Nokutenda Chituri, Inspector Kohwera’s plea was direct, stating:

“Police Mashonaland West Province continue to urge those in the transport industry to ensure that their vehicles are serviced to avoid loss of life and property.”

The frequency of these so-called ‘freak accidents’ has sparked concern among the public. Investigations into the exact cause of the wheel detachment in the November 2025 case are understood to be ongoing.