HARARE, Zimbabwe — A minibus taxi caught fire on a highway in southwest Zimbabwe on Thursday, killing 18 people, police confirmed. The incident occurred along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge road near the town of Esigodini.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated that the vehicle, which was carrying passengers, burst into flames. "We confirm the death of 18 people in a road traffic accident where a Toyota Hiace minibus caught fire," Nyathi said in a statement. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Authorities have not released further details on the identities of the victims or a possible cause. Minibus taxis are a common and often overcrowded form of public transport in Zimbabwe and across southern Africa, and such accidents have raised concerns about vehicle safety standards.
