At least 27 people were killed after a minibus carrying members of an African Christian church collided head-on with a haulage truck near the town of Chivhu in Zimbabwe.

The crash occurred on Friday evening along the Harare-Masvingo Highway, near Honeyspruit Bridge in Chikomba District, Mashonaland East Province. According to local authorities, the collision happened at around 8:30 p.m.

Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said the truck was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it collided with the minibus travelling in the opposite direction.

The minibus was carrying members of the African Apostolic Church, also known as the Mwazha Church, who were travelling to a church gathering in Mvuma.

The force of the collision triggered a fire that completely engulfed the minibus. Several passengers were trapped inside the vehicle, while emergency teams and local residents worked to extinguish the fire and recover the victims.

Local reports said 24 people, including the minibus driver, died at the scene, while three others later succumbed to their injuries after being taken to Chivhu General Hospital.

The truck driver survived and was taken to Harare for further medical treatment.

Seven injured in the crash

Seven survivors were seriously injured and initially received treatment at Chivhu General Hospital before being transferred to Chitungwiza General Hospital.

Their condition was reported to be critical. Authorities have continued to provide medical assistance while emergency teams work with families affected by the disaster.

Authorities initially said 18 of the victims had been identified, while DNA testing was required for some of the severely burned remains.

The latest information from Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation indicates that 22 of the 27 victims have now been identified, with DNA forensic testing planned for the remaining five victims.

Officials said the names of the victims would be released after formal identification procedures and notification of their families.

Government declares State of Disaster

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a State of Disaster following the crash.

The declaration allows the government to mobilise resources and coordinate assistance for the families of those killed and for survivors. The government has also pledged to cover medical expenses and burial-related costs.

The crash has renewed concerns over road safety in Zimbabwe, where fatal accidents involving minibuses and heavy trucks remain a recurring problem.

Police said investigations into the circumstances of the collision are continuing. (ILKHA)