Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Nine people have been confirmed dead while 26 others were injured this Tuesday morning after a bus they were travelling in collided with a goods train at a railway level crossing in Triangle, Masvingo Province.
The accident occurred along Mbizi Road at around 8.43am.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
“The ZRP reports a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at 0843 hours this morning along Mbizi Road in Triangle, Masvingo Province, when Makuku Bus travelling from Chikombedzi to Masvingo collided with a goods train at a rail-level crossing.
“Nine people are confirmed dead, while 26 victims were injured. More details will be availed soon, as police officers are still attending to the accident,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a statement, National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Mr Andrew Kunambura, urged all motorists to strictly observe level-crossing regulations to avoid loss of lives and injuries.
“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 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. They include seven adults and two minors. Twenty-six passengers from the bus were taken to hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Emergency services, including the police, ambulances and the fire brigade, are on-site managing the active rescue operation.
“Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic event. We also wish a speedy recovery to the injured passengers. We would also like to urge all motorists to strictly observe level-crossing regulations to avoid loss of lives and injuries.
Further updates will be shared through our official channels as verified details emerge,” he said.
