Train accident fatalities surge in 2025 despite fewer incidents

Tanaka Nkala

FATALITIES caused by train accidents surged in 2025, even as the total number of people hit by trains declined compared to 2024.

In 2025, 25 people were hit by trains, resulting in 11 deaths and 14 injuries. In contrast, 27 individuals were hit in 2024, with six fatalities.

This was revealed by National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Mr Andrew Kunambura in an interview with Zimpapers.
“11 people were killed after being hit by trains during the same period in 2025 compared to six fatalities recorded in 2024,” he said.

The data shows an alarming 83.3 percent increase in deaths year on year, despite a 7.4 percent decrease in total accidents—from 27 in 2024 to 25 in 2025.

Mr Kunambura noted that this comparison highlights a worrying shift in railway accidents, with fewer survivors than in the previous year.