Harare, Zimbabwe – A tragic incident occurred at the Trabablas Interchange construction site on January 6, 2025, when a mechanical failure during crane decommissioning led to the collapse of a tower crane, resulting in the death of a worker. The incident has raised serious safety concerns and prompted an official investigation by authorities and the contractors involved.
Incident Details
The accident happened during the dismantling of a static tower crane by Manzlink (Pvt) Ltd, a specialized rigging subcontractor for the project, overseen by Tefoma Construction Joint Venture. A mechanical failure caused both the static tower crane and the mobile crane used in the operation to collapse.
The deceased, who was an employee of Manzlink, tragically lost their life in the accident. Tefoma Construction Pvt Ltd released a statement expressing condolences to the worker’s family, friends, and colleagues, while confirming their commitment to cooperating with authorities in a full investigation.
Tefoma’s Official Statement
In an official release, Tefoma stated:
“The board of directors and management extend their sincere condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, and colleagues. In cooperation with relevant authorities, a full investigation into the incident is currently underway.”
The company has also pledged its full support to the family of the deceased and is working closely with Manzlink during this difficult time.
Safety Commitments
Tefoma reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards across all its project sites, highlighting that further updates will be shared in due course. The statement emphasized that safety remains a top priority as the investigation unfolds.
Eyewitness Reactions and Community Concerns
The incident has sparked discussions about safety protocols in Zimbabwe’s construction industry. Eyewitnesses at the site reported the collapse as sudden and catastrophic, leaving workers and bystanders shaken.
A local construction worker commented, “This is a stark reminder of how dangerous construction work can be. It’s critical that companies prioritize safety to prevent such tragedies.”
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities and safety inspectors are working to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure that led to the collapse. The findings are expected to inform improvements in safety protocols and crane decommissioning processes to prevent future occurrences.
About Trabablas Interchange Project
The Trabablas Interchange project is a high-profile infrastructure initiative aimed at improving traffic flow in Harare. Despite its importance to the city’s development, the incident raises questions about whether sufficient precautions are being taken to safeguard workers and ensure project safety.
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, stakeholders in Zimbabwe’s construction industry are calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations. The outcome of this case is likely to influence future safety standards and practices across similar projects.
