Online Reporter
Tawanda Mangoma in Triangle
Nine people were killed yesterday morning when a Makuku Bus Service bus was struck by a train at a level crossing in Triangle.
The tragedy comes barely a week after a separate accident in Gweru that claimed the lives of seven pupils.
In a statement yesterday, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) said the bus, which was travelling from Masangula to Chiredzi, failed to observe level crossing rules.
“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. The train was travelling from Triangle to the NRZ Lundi siding when the accident occurred at 0700hrs,” read the statement by the institution’s Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Mr Andrew Kunambura.
“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. Unfortunately, nine passengers in the bus died on the spot,” the statement further read.
Makuku Bus Service Director Mr Kudakwashe Makuku, said his company was deeply saddened by the incident and ready to follow all due processes being undertaken by the respective arms of Government.
“We are particularly devastated by the fact that many of the passengers were school children whom we transport daily to and from their respective schools. The loss of these young lives and the suffering experienced by their families is a tragedy that has touched us all deeply,” he said.
Mr Makuku said such accidents are avoidable if set traffic rules are followed.
“Makuku Bus Service has always placed the safety and well-being of its passengers at the centre of its operations.
This tragedy has deeply shaken our organization, and we remain committed to learning all necessary lessons arising from the investigations,” he added.
