This swift government intervention underscores the profound impact of the tragedy on the nation, paving the way for immediate and comprehensive support to the bereaved families.

The accident, which involved a commuter omnibus (kombi) and a 30-tonne haulage truck near Hunyani Bridge, continues to be a source of national mourning as the names of all 17 victims have now been confirmed, revealing heartbreaking familial losses.

State Support Confirmed: Minister Garwe Delivers Declaration

The declaration of the accident as a national disaster was officially announced by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe. According to ZBC News, Minister Garwe conveyed the news during a solemn gathering with grieving families at a funeral parlour in Chitungwiza.

President Mnangagwa Announces State Support for Seke Road Victims

Minister Garwe confirmed that this presidential declaration is a critical step, as it immediately unlocks State support for all the victims' families, notably including state-assisted funerals for all those who perished in the crash. This provision aims to alleviate the immense financial burden on families during this unimaginably difficult time.

Insurance Council of Zimbabwe Steps In with Full Funeral and Compensation Benefits

In a parallel and equally significant development, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) has also swiftly intervened, pledging comprehensive funeral support and activating insurance compensation benefits for the families of the 17 victims. This rapid response aims to ensure that families receive timely assistance.

The ICZ stated that the insurance cover for the victims was activated immediately after the accident. A funeral parlour has already been contracted by the ICZ to provide full funeral and burial services for all the deceased, specifically within the borders of Zimbabwe.

The ICZ has urged the next of kin or beneficiaries of the deceased to contact them directly for assistance in processing their insurance compensation benefits. "ICZ immediately activated the insurance cover and contracted a funeral parlour to provide comprehensive funeral and burial services for all the deceased within the borders of Zimbabwe. The beneficiaries or next of kin of the deceased are advised to contact the ICZ on Toll Free Number 591 for processing of the insurance compensation benefits as provided by the Road Traffic Act. The Call Centre Staff will provide guidance in swiftly accessing the relevant benefits,” reads part of the ICZ statement.

Nation Mourns as Calls for Road Safety Intensify

The Seke Road tragedy has drawn widespread sympathy and an outpouring of grief from across the country. As families begin the painful process of burying their loved ones, the collective mourning continues. Concurrently, the accident has intensified calls for urgent and more stringent road safety measures to prevent such devastating incidents from recurring.

The ZRP has already released the names of all 17 victims, revealing cases such as that of a young father, Rainford Jere (29), and his 3-year-old daughter, Shantel Jere, from St Mary’s, Chitungwiza, among others. Police investigations into the full circumstances of the crash are ongoing, with authorities urging motorists to be safety-conscious and ensure their vehicles are well-maintained.