Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Reporter
NATIONAL Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has noted with concern the growing number of accidents at level crossings, which has seen 13 accidents and four deaths being recorded in the first half of 2025.
In a statement, NRZ public affairs and stakeholder relations manager Mr Andrew Kunambura said NRZ is alarmed by the increasing number of level crossing accidents and incidents of people being hit by trains while walking on tracks.
“In the first half of the year, 13 level crossing accidents were recorded, resulting in 13 injuries, while 10 people were hit by trains while walking on tracks or close to the railway line, leading to four deaths and six injuries,” said Mr Kunambura.
“The whole of last year, 13 level crossing accidents were recorded, resulting in one death and 26 injuries, while five people were killed and eight injured after being hit by trains.
“If the trend of accidents recorded so far this year continues, it means last year’s figures would be significantly surpassed.”
These statistics paint a grim picture and underscore the need for motorists and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution on railway tracks.
Apart from causing deaths and life-changing injuries, accidents on the tracks severely affect NRZ operations.
Mr Kunambura said that after an accident, train crews have to stop and wait for the police to attend the scene, disrupting the movement of traffic on corridors where the accidents would have occurred.
“Safety on the railway tracks is a shared responsibility, and we urge all road users to adhere to traffic regulations at level crossings by stopping, looking out for trains, and listening for warning signals,” he said.
“We ask motorists to be patient at level crossings as a few moments of waiting can save a lifetime of regret.
“We also appeal to pedestrians to never walk on or along railway tracks. People should also cross railway tracks after checking that there are no trains approaching.”
He said, if there are designated pedestrian crossing points, such as foot bridges, people should use those.
NRZ has also raised a concern, saying some people are using the tracks to exercise to keep fit.
“This is a dangerous undertaking as people would not be paying attention to their surroundings and might not see approaching trains,” said Mr Kunambura.
“Pedestrians should also avoid distractions like mobile phones or headphones when near railway lines, while parents and schools should educate children about the dangers of playing near railway tracks.
“By working together, we can reduce the number of accidents and fatalities along railway tracks.”
