At least 18 people have been killed in a deadly road incident in southern Zimbabwe after a commuter minibus caught fire and exploded along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge highway, police said.

Authorities reported that the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along a section of the highway between Chipangali and the Gwanda tollgate, a key transport corridor linking the city of Bulawayo with the South African border.

Police said the death toll remains preliminary and may be updated as investigations continue, with efforts underway to confirm the identities of passengers and establish an accurate manifest.

The cause of the fire and subsequent explosion has not yet been determined, with investigators examining whether mechanical failure, fuel ignition, or other factors were involved.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, but the intensity of the blaze reportedly hindered rescue operations.

Minibus taxis are a vital component of Zimbabwe’s transport system, particularly for travel between urban and rural areas, but the sector has long faced criticism over safety concerns, including maintenance standards and overcrowding.

The Bulawayo–Beitbridge highway is one of the busiest routes in the country and has been the site of multiple fatal accidents over the years.

Road safety data consistently places Zimbabwe among countries with high traffic-related fatality rates, often linked to speeding, poor infrastructure, and inadequate vehicle upkeep.

Authorities are expected to release further details as investigations progress, amid renewed calls for stricter enforcement of transport safety regulations.