Tragedy in Workington: Three Workers Killed as Glass Crate Collapses During Offloading
A routine morning shift turned deadly in Workington, Harare, after three workers were killed when a massive crate of glass panels collapsed on them during an offloading operation.
The incident occurred on Wednesday as a team of eight workers was handling a delivery at a local company, highlighting the risks associated with heavy industrial work.
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Sudden Collapse Catches Workers Off Guard
Survivors said the accident happened so suddenly, leaving workers with little time to react. One of the workers, Tanaka Chagonda, recalled the terrifying moment when the crate gave way.
“We were offloading a crate of glass panels from the truck when one of the crates slipped and crushed three of our colleagues. It was very frightening,” he told ZBC News.
Chaos and Panic at the Scene
Another worker, Phineas Hlanganisa, described how the situation quickly descended into panic as colleagues realised what had happened.
“One moment we were working, and the next we heard screams. It was a terrible scene. The crate fell on them, and they died in a very painful way. This is our job, but it should not end like this,” he said.
Narrow Escape for Some Workers
For others, the incident was a close brush with death. Aleck Muzozo, who was working in the same spot, said he narrowly avoided being crushed.
“I was working exactly where the three men died, but I managed to duck and the crate only grazed my face. I thank God I survived, but I am not okay — one of the deceased is my brother,” he said.
Possible Safety Lapse Suspected
Preliminary accounts suggest a breakdown in communication may have contributed to the accident. Crane operator Question Muringwa indicated that a safety measure might not have been properly secured.
“I was operating the crane, and I think there was a miscommunication. A safety belt was not secured where it should have been. By the time I heard the screams and tried to lift the crate, it was already too late,” he explained.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Emergency teams, including the City of Harare Fire Brigade, responded promptly and managed to lift the heavy crate. Police cordoned off the area, which was littered with shattered glass.
Of the five surviving workers, one sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Authorities said the names of the deceased will be released after their families have been informed.
Renewed Calls for Workplace Safety
The fatal accident has sparked renewed concern over safety practices in industrial environments, particularly when handling heavy and hazardous materials.
Stakeholders are now calling for stricter adherence to safety procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The post Three Workers Killed after Glass Crate Collapses During Offloading in Harare appeared first on iHarare News.
