Train derails, injures two

Fungai Lupande Mash Central Bureau
Police here have warned motorists and other road users to exercise caution at level crossings following the derailing of a goods train in Glendale that left two people injured recently.

The train was on its way to Harare with an undisclosed load and had a brake failure in Concession, resulting in it rolling back to Glendale.

Two drivers of a Toyota Wish and Toyota Camry — Clever Mhlanga (28) and Emmanuel Chinhanga (29) — sustained injuries after their vehicles, which were parked close to the railway crossing, were crushed by the train.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Petros Masikati confirmed the incident and advised motorists and road users to observe and respect level crossings even if they seem unused.

“The incident happened on August 5 around 1900hrs,” he said.

“The train with 40 wagons was travelling to Harare with an undisclosed load, which we suspect were stones from Bindura. Upon reaching a hill overlooking Concession the train failed to go over.

“The driver of the train — Farai Muzenda (51) — unhooked some of the wagons and proceeded to Concession railway station with half of the load. He returned with the engine to collect the remaining wagons, but as he was pulling the remaining wagons the train started going backwards.

“The brakes failed and the train started rolling back for eight kilometres to Glendale. The train picked momentum and Muzenda sounded the hooter trying to alert motorists. Mhlanga and Chinhanga were talking while their vehicles were parked close to the railway crossing. The train crushed the two vehicles and the drivers escaped with injuries. They were admitted at Concession Hospital and later discharged. The train later derailed.”

Asst Insp Masikati said although the train did not travel frequently, motorists and road users should respect and observe railway crossing.

“Motorists of heavy or light vehicles must stop at rail crossings and check both sides,” he said. “Never park at railway crossing. The railway was meant for trains, don’t rely on information that it does not travel frequently because the train may come anytime.”