Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana, [email protected]
FOUR people narrowly escaped death yesterday morning after a company bus was struck by a train at a level crossing in Hwange Town.
The accident occurred at around 9AM on the railway area along 4 Mile Drive, when a 72-seater bus belonging to Turbo Mining collided with an oncoming train.
The violent impact sent shockwaves across the quiet mining town, leaving bystanders in disbelief at how anyone managed to survive.
Eyewitnesses said the bus driver attempted to cross the railway line as the train approached at speed.
“I was standing nearby when I saw the bus move onto the tracks while the train was already very close.
“People started shouting but it was too late. The train hit the bus in the middle and pushed it aside,” said one eyewitness.
The train struck the centre of the bus with considerable force, causing severe structural damage.
Fortunately, only the driver and three passengers were on board at the time, all of whom survived the crash — a rare outcome in collisions of this nature.
Emergency services quickly rushed to the scene, working to stabilise the injured before transporting them to Hwange Colliery Hospital for medical attention.
Confirming the incident, Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said two people sustained injuries.
“Yes, I can confirm that there was an accident involving a Turbo Mining bus and a train along 4 Mile Drive. Two people were injured and were admitted to Hwange Colliery Hospital,” said Inspector Banda.
He attributed the accident to driver negligence after initial assessments.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus driver was not attentive and failed to realise that the train was already on the tracks,” Insp Banda said.
He urged motorists to exercise heightened caution when approaching railway crossings.
“We encourage drivers to stop, look and listen before crossing railway lines to avoid such accidents,” said Insp Banda.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
