Nine people were killed and 26 others injured on Tuesday morning after a passenger bus collided with a goods train at a railway level crossing in Triangle, Masvingo Province.
The tragic accident occurred at approximately 8:43am along Mbizi Road when a Makuku Bus travelling from Chikombedzi to Masvingo was involved in the collision.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying police officers were still attending the scene and gathering further details.
“The ZRP reports a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at 0843 hours this morning along Mbizi Road in Triangle, Masvingo Province, when Makuku Bus travelling from Chikombedzi to Masvingo collided with a goods train at a rail-level crossing,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
“Nine people are confirmed dead, while 26 victims were injured. More details will be availed soon, as police officers are still attending to the accident.”
Emergency response teams, including police officers, ambulance services and the fire brigade, were immediately dispatched to the scene to assist with rescue operations and the evacuation of the injured.
In a statement, National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations Manager Mr Andrew Kunambura expressed condolences to the bereaved families and called on motorists to observe railway crossing regulations.
“The National Railways of Zimbabwe informs the nation of a fatal collision involving one of its trains and a bus at a level crossing in Chiredzi this morning,” he said.
“The accident occurred when the driver of the bus failed to observe level-crossing rules, which require drivers to stop and check for oncoming trains before proceeding.”
Mr Kunambura said nine passengers died instantly at the scene, including seven adults and two minors.
“Twenty-six passengers from the bus were taken to hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Emergency services, including the police, ambulances and the fire brigade, are on-site managing the active rescue operation,” he said.
“Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic event. We also wish a speedy recovery to the injured passengers.”
He urged all road users to exercise caution whenever approaching railway crossings.
“We would also like to urge all motorists to strictly observe level-crossing regulations to avoid loss of lives and injuries. Further updates will be shared through our official channels as verified details emerge,” said Mr Kunambura.
The accident is one of the deadliest rail-road collisions recorded in the province in recent years and has once again highlighted the importance of strict adherence to railway crossing safety regulations.
