A minibus taxi fire on a highway in southwest Zimbabwe has claimed the lives of approximately 18 people, police have confirmed.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi stated that while authorities required more time to ascertain the precise number of victims, the figure stood at "approximately 18".
The vehicle "exploded into fire" near Bulawayo, the nation's second-largest city, though the cause of the blaze was not immediately given.
Minibus taxis are a popular, yet often perilous, mode of public transport in the southern African nation, frequently operating beyond their recommended capacity.
Deadly road accidents are common in Zimbabwe, exacerbated by widespread speeding as drivers attempt to maximise daily trips, and the dangers posed by poorly maintained roads.
The country, with a population of around 15 million, records a road accident every 15 minutes, leading to at least five deaths daily, according to the national statistics agency – one of Africa's highest road fatality rates.
Neighboring South Africa also struggles with high accident rates for its popular minibus taxis and has also reported several deadly crashes involving the vehicles recently, including one in January that left 14 schoolchildren dead.
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