Vusumuzi Dube
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
GOOD FRIDAY turned grim just outside Gwanda when a luxury Rovos Rail train packed with international tourists collided head-on with a Bulawayo-Beitbridge Railway (BBR) goods train—sending shockwaves across Zimbabwe’s tourism industry.
The dramatic smash-up happened around 7AM in Hantinya Village, derailing several coaches and injuring eight people, including a US tourist and seven Rovos crew members. One South African staffer had to undergo a gruelling 12-hour spinal surgery.
Government has since launched a full-scale probe into the crash, while engineers race to repair the damaged track that connects Bulawayo to Victoria Falls—a vital artery for high-end rail tourism.
A Rovos Rail coach overturned about five metres from the tracks, trapping a crew member inside. Another carriage veered into nearby bush, and a third slammed violently into the one ahead. Gwanda Fire Brigade spent two tense hours rescuing the trapped victim.
The luxury train had departed South Africa the day before and was en route to Victoria Falls with 47 tourists from the USA, UK, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, and South Africa—all in Zimbabwe for the ride of a lifetime.
But the journey was cut short by chaos.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi visited the mangled wreckage on Saturday, alongside Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube, and confirmed an investigation is underway.
“I’m here with a team to assess the damage. The Rovos train had nationals from several countries. We sympathise with them, and His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa is doing everything possible to ensure this iconic train is back on track,” said Minister Rwodzi.
She stressed that the Rovos Rail route is key to Zimbabwe’s international tourism strategy and praised the operator for its contribution to local tourism. She added that the Government, along with the Ministry of Transport, NRZ, and rescue teams, are all hands on deck to restore the service.
“We want to ensure this popular train is operational again as soon as possible. It’s in our national interest,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi and her delegation visited the injured at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo and assured them of full Government support. Uninjured tourists were moved to a hotel and briefed by officials.
The visit, she said, was at the directive of President Mnangagwa, who expressed deep concern and ordered that the welfare of all affected tourists be prioritised.
Rovos Rail manager Mr Louis Jonga thanked the Government for stepping in swiftly: “Your support has given us strength during a very difficult time.”
@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter