Quick-thinking train driver rescues woman from being crushed by train

Trust Freddy

Herald Correspondent

A 23-year-old Mutare woman who was walking on the railway tracks while wearing earphones narrowly escaped death on Saturday after a quick-thinking train driver threw a water bottle at her to alert her of the approaching train, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has said.

The lady, who has been identified as Lisa Shumba, could not hear the horn.

According to the NRZ, the bottle landed just in front of Shumba, startling her into action, and she managed to jump out of the train’s path.

“Lisa Shumba was startled by the water bottle, which fell in front of her and she turned and saw the train,” the NRZ said.

“The locomotive hit her as she jumped off its direct path. She suffered bruises on her knees. She was treated and discharged from the hospital.”

The NRZ praised the train driver’s heroic act, stating that his presence of mind saved Shumba’s life.

“The heroic act by the engineman saved her life since the earphones had prevented her from hearing the locomotive’s warning horn,” the NRZ said.

“We salute the engineman and appeal to members of the public to avoid walking on the railway lines, especially when putting on earphones.”