TO: Engineering Services Manager

FROM: H.O. Gwaze

DATE: 25 JULY 2022
REF: Accident during towing between TOYOTA HILUX ACR 1270 and
ISUZU AES 2519
I travelled from Vungu Dam Site on Friday morning 22 July 2022 at 0700hrs.
The Toyota was having problems with starting each time it’s switched off.
10 km past Selous on the way to Harare I heard a sound coming from the front
right wheel. I stopped the vehicle. The wheel was running hot indicating a
bearing failure. This was around 1045hrs.
I sent an SOS to the workshops and assistance arrived at 1500 hrs. Equipped
with a tow bar. The type of tow bar we have has to be tightened with rope at
the ends to keep in position.
We connected the two vehicles. The Toyota could not start hence the brakes
were compromised. The braking efficiency was reduced because the brakes
work on a vacuum pump driven by the Engine.
After travelling about 5 km a truck stopped in front of the towing vehicle and
he applied brakes. I applied brakes on the Toyota it swerved towards the
oncoming lane and carried on moving until it hit the right side corner lamps of
the Isuzu with the left front side with the right side sticking on the oncoming
lane.
We Re-arranged our vehicles after inspecting the damages. We proceeded
Extra slowly and arrived at Grindale around 1800 hrs.

DAMAGES
ISUZU AES 2519
 Right side tail light lens broken
TOYOTA ACR 1270
 Left side front fender slightly deformed
 Front Bumper damaged
 Left headlight broken.

The repair costs have not yet been ascertained

HOW COULD WE HAVE AVOIDED THE ACCIDENT
 We need to design a solid tow bar to suit our vehicles than can pull straight and
allow the rear vehicle to stop when the front vehicle brakes to stop both vehicles.
 Use of Recovery Services.