Train, car collision victims identified

Whinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter
Four people who died on the spot when the vehicle they were travelling in was hit by a train at a rail level crossing near Emganwini suburb in Bulawayo on Saturday night, were coming from a beer drink at Redwood in Figtree.

The vehicle which had two men and two women, was heading for Emganwini suburb when the driver failed to stop at a rail level crossing resulting in the accident. All the three passengers and the driver died on the spot.

The passenger train from Plumtreee was heading for Bulawayo and noone on the train was injured.

Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Richard Peterson who confirmed the death of the four people, said the vehicle was dragged for about 30 metres before it fell off the railwayline.

Bulawayo province police spokesperson, Inspector Simango could not immediately comment on the accident.

Friends and relatives yesterday identified the male victims as Wonder Goredema, 63, and Gono Luckson, 46, both employees of Revival Motorways.

The two women who were best friends and in their 20s were identified only as Rumbidzai and Melisa popularly known as “Gogola”.

Tichawona Tshuma, whose sister was married to Goredema, said the family was in shock following the death of his brother-in law. “My sister was assisting with catering at their neighbour’s graduation party when it was announced that there had been an accident at the railway crossing. Everyone rushed to the accident scene where she identified her late husband’s shoes,” he said.

Relatives of the other victims said they were not yet ready to talk to the press.

Friends yesterday said Rumbidzai had left behind a Grade Two daughter who recently came out of the hospital after she had been admitted for months. The daughter sustained serious injuries after she was hit by a vehicle.

Goredema is survived by wife and five children while Gono is survived by wife and four children.

Nketa-Emganwini MP, Phelela Masuku visited families of the accident victims yesterday.

NRZ spokesperson Fanuel Masikati yesterday urged motorists to exercise extreme caution at rail level crossings.

“Of course some of our signals are not working so we continue to urge motorists to stop at rail level crossings and only proceed when it’s safe to do so,” said Masikati.