admin
Patrick Chitumba Senior Reporter
SEVERAL tourists were reportedly injured after a tram carrying 30 tourists was hit by a goods train near the Victoria Falls Hotel yesterday.
NRZ Public Relations Manager, Fanuel Masikati confirmed the accident last night but said details were still sketchy.“Yes, there was a train accident in Victoria Falls. We’re still to get more details from our man on the ground. As it stands we are yet to know where the goods train was coming from or if it is ours or not,” said Masikati.
However, witnesses said the tram was hit by a goods train just as it was about to take off after picking up tourists for a tour.
“It was around 5PM when the tram was hit by a goods train. The guide who works for Victoria Falls Steam Train Company-the company that runs the tram – jumped off when the accident looked imminent and escaped unhurt,” said a witness who requested anonymity.
“Some of the tourists who were on board are feared dead while some escaped with varying injuries from mild to very serious.”
The source said the injured were rushed to different health institutions in the resort town.
The open-sided tram is a modern built replica of a classic 1890s model and accommodates about 30 passengers.
Once tourists are on board, the tram begins its gentle 20 minute ride down to the Victoria Falls Bridge past the Victoria Falls Rainforest.
The railway track does a wide sweep through the African bush and game of all types including elephant and buffalo can be seen.
It finally stops on the historic bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The tram derailed last year but no tourists were injured.
derick.khumalo