The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the deaths of nine people who drowned after a Toyota Noah vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded Tshangamutope River in the Mukula area of Filabusi, highlighting renewed concerns over road safety and flood-resilient infrastructure during the rainy season.
The incident occurred on January 22, 2026, at around 10pm, when the vehicle attempted to cross a bridge submerged by floodwaters. According to police, the driver had initially disembarked to assess the water level, leaving the keys in the ignition.
“One of the passengers then drove the vehicle onto the flooded bridge, resulting in the car being swept away and submerged, trapping all the occupants inside,” said the ZRP in a statement.
Rescue and recovery operations were conducted the following day with the assistance of members of the local community. Police confirmed that all nine bodies were retrieved on January 23, 2026.
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“The deceased persons comprise five adult females, two adult males, one female juvenile and a male toddler,” the police said.
Authorities indicated that only two of the victims have so far been positively identified, with efforts still underway to establish the identities of the remaining deceased.
“The bodies were conveyed to Filabusi District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing,” police said.
The tragedy comes amid persistent calls for improved rural infrastructure, particularly the upgrading of bridges and river crossings in flood-prone areas. Poor road networks and inadequate warning systems continue to pose risks to communities and motorists, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Police have once again urged motorists to avoid crossing flooded rivers and bridges, warning that even shallow-looking waters can be deadly.
“More details will be released in due course,” police said.
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