A tragic road accident in Gweru has left seven people confirmed dead after a commuter omnibus (kombi) carrying school learners caught fire at Chirandu Business Centre in Senga on Wednesday afternoon, in one of the most devastating transport incidents reported in recent months.
By Advent Shoko
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the incident and says investigations are underway to establish the exact cause of the fire and the full scale of casualties.
According to preliminary police reports, the kombi was believed to be carrying about 24 school children when it caught fire at around 14:30 hours on 10 June 2026. The vehicle reportedly ignited while near Chirandu Business Centre, a busy local trading point in the Senga suburb of Gweru.
Police say early indications suggest the vehicle may have been carrying a jerry can of petrol at the time of the fire, although this has not yet been confirmed as the direct cause.
The police said in a statement:
“The ZRP confirms a tragic incident in which a kombi believed to have been carrying 24 school children caught fire on 10/06/26 at approximately 1430 hours at Chirandu Business Centre, Senga, Gweru. So far, seven people have been confirmed dead, while the number of injured persons is still being verified. Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle may have been carrying a jerry can of petrol at the time of the incident. Police are conducting comprehensive investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy. More details to be released in due course.”
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased, pending notification of next of kin.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as forensic teams and traffic officers continue working at the scene.
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