(Last Updated on December 26, 2012 by CORRESPONDENT)
HARARE– Zimbabwe state radio says 18 people headed home for the holidays died when their open truck veered off a mountain road and plunged into a ravine in northeastern Zimbabwe.
The radio said Tuesday another 46 passengers crowded on the back of the truck were injured in the crash in the remote Honde Valley region known for its steep and winding roads and tracks.
Bus and truck accidents, common in Zimbabwe, are mainly blamed on poor vehicle maintenance and speeding.
Zimbabweans traditionally travel to their rural villages for the holidays. Travelers this year complained that bus companies hiked fares, in one case from $4 to $10 for a 150 kilometer (90 mile) trip.
State radio said police Tuesday warned against boarding private vehicles unlicensed to carry passengers.