Sundaymail Editor
Sunday Mail Reporter
THIRTY-EIGHT people have been killed by trains this year after hurling themselves in front of oncoming locomotives in apparent cases of suicide, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has confirmed.
Overall, 47 people have been killed on railway lines between 2019 and 2021.
NRZ acting public relations manager Mr Martin Banda described the figures as worrying.
“Analysis of recorded statistical figures of people who died after throwing themselves in front of oncoming trains reveals that in 2019, 2020 and 2021, the country lost 12, eight and 27 people, respectively, making a total of 47 fatalities in cases of suicide,” he said.
“This year alone, from January to the end of August, we have recorded 38 cases, a trend which is very much disturbing.”
He underscored the need for people experiencing mental health challenges or depression to seek counselling.
“It is common knowledge that many people are facing social problems, but committing suicide is not the right solution or answer.”
Failure to observe road rules, he added, was also causing accidents at rail level crossings.
Most of the accidents were reported in major cities and towns.
“From January 2022 to date, 66 accidents occurred at rail level crossings, with a total of 54 injuries and six fatalities.
“It is saddening and highly disturbing that we continue to lose precious human lives almost every month in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Triangle, among other cities and towns in the country,” he said.
Mr Banda urged motorists to respect road rules. The NRZ is currently engaging stakeholders, including local authorities and Government departments, to implement measures to curb level-crossing accidents.
“These include construction of speed humps and installation of flashing signals in order to warn motorists when approaching rail level crossings, among other measures meant to reduce the number of rail/road level-crossing accidents at the affected areas.
“As a long-term measure, the construction of flyover roads at rail level crossings will be considered depending on the availability of financial resources,” he said.
Online Reporter