Passenger Dies After Two Trees Fall On Honda Fit In Freak Accident In Chitungwiza

Freak Chitungwiza Accident Claims Life Of Mushikashika Passenger

A passenger died in a freak, tragic incident in Chitungwiza. The passenger was killed instantly on Saturday afternoon when two enormous trees were uprooted during a heavy storm and crashed directly onto a moving Honda Fit. The vehicle, which was operating as an informal pirate taxi, known locally as a mushikashika, was carrying three people at the time of the freak accident at Makoni Shopping Centre.

The event unfolded during a severe weather event that hit the area. The force of the falling trees completely crushed the small vehicle, leading to the immediate death of the male passenger. The driver and another passenger survived the harrowing ordeal, with the driver escaping with minor injuries.

A Scene Of Chaos And Despair

Eyewitnesses described a scene of utter chaos as the storm intensified. The two trees, described as huge, gave way under the violent winds and landed directly on the Honda Fit, which was plying its usual Makoni to Dema route. The impact was said to be devastating, trapping those inside and drawing screams from onlookers. A video of the aftermath, captured by The Herald, circulated widely on social media, showing the crushed vehicle under the massive trunks as residents gathered in shock.

In the hours following the tragedy, Zimbabweans took to X to voice their anger and frustration regarding the emergency response. One major point of contention was the apparent lack of adequate equipment to handle the crisis.

A user named Marwei posted a comment highlighting a recent council decision that seemingly hampered rescue efforts.

Marwei stated, “Only last week council yaka hire zvinotakura ma container vachiti pamakamaisa hapasi pamutemo (Only last week council hired vehicles that carry containers saying where you are placing them is illegal). Today we lack the same cranes to remove the car crushed by a tree. Haaa zvimwe zvacho so “

This sentiment was echoed by another user, General Hustler, who simply wrote, “Zero emergency services,” pointing to a perceived systemic failure in the municipality’s capacity to deal with such disasters.

A Life Lost In A Freak Accident

The identities of the passengers have not been officially released. The tragic incident has sparked a serious conversation about the preparedness of local government and emergency services in Chitungwiza and, by extension, across Zimbabwe. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the falling trees.