Minibus Taxi Fire Kills About 18 Near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

A minibus taxi caught fire and exploded on a highway near Bulawayo, the second largest city in southwest Zimbabwe, on April 16, 2026. The fire killed about 18 people, according to police reports. Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi stated that authorities were still trying to verify the exact number of victims but confirmed the death toll was approximately 18.

The incident occurred on a highway close to Bulawayo, a major urban center in the southwest of the country. Minibus taxis are a popular mode of public transport in Zimbabwe and are often packed beyond their recommended capacity. This overcrowding is a common feature of the country's transport system, which may contribute to the severity of such incidents.

The cause of the fire and explosion has not been detailed in the available information.