Newborn Baby Among Nine Killed As Car Swept Off Bridge While Crossing Flooded River

Newborn Baby Among Nine Killed In Zimbabwe Flood Tragedy

Nine people, including a newborn baby, have been killed after the vehicle they were travelling in was swept off a bridge. The tragic accident occurred while the car was attempting to cross a flooded river in Matabeleland South on the night of January 22, 2026.

ZimLive reported the incident on the morning of January 23. The outlet stated a Toyota Noah was carried away by the raging waters of the Shangamtope river at a low-lying bridge in Mulula, Insiza district. The post confirmed the devastating inclusion of an infant among the deceased.

Traditional Leaders Could Be Empowered To Impose Fines

This latest tragedy has intensified government action to prevent further loss of life. A report in The Herald revealed that authorities are considering a stark new measure. The proposal would empower traditional leaders to fine community members who ignore warnings and attempt to cross flooded rivers.

Nathan Nkomo, the Chief Director in the Department of Civil Protection, confirmed the ongoing high-level consultations.

“It is rather unfortunate that we have people who continue to disregard danger warnings from authorities and as such we are in consultations with our principals with a view of having our traditional leaders empowered to fine anyone in their jurisdiction who does not take heed of these warnings,” Nkomo said.

He stressed the urgent need for the measure, adding,

“We cannot afford to be losing precious lives in a way that can be clearly avoided.”

National Flood Death Toll Reaches 79

Official statistics paint a grim picture of the ongoing rainy season. The Department of Civil Protection reports that since October 2025, at least 79 people have lost their lives in related incidents. A further 61 people have been injured, and 1,068 households have been damaged or destroyed.

Nkomo stated that all emergency agencies remain on high alert to respond to distress calls. The Meteorological Services Department has forecast continued heavy rainfall, sustaining the threat of flash floods across Zimbabwe. The public is urged to treat all flood warnings with utmost seriousness.