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Patrick Chitumba in Victoria Falls and Innocent Ruwende in Harare
THE government and the Victoria Falls Tourism Community yesterday expressed regret at the rail accident that happened in the resort town on Tuesday killing a tourist and injuring others.A tram carrying a party of 32 tourists including 4 children collided with a goods train injuring 20, and leading to one death. The owners of the tram in which the visitors were travelling in, the Victoria Falls Steam Train (VFST) issued a statement saying the safety and security of their customers was very important to them. They said they were reviewing the tram’s systems and working with all its partners to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
The statement comes at a time when the National Railways of Zimbabwe and other government departments have commenced a full scale investigation into the cause of the accident.
The tourism sector has assured tourists that the resort town remains the tourism hub with the best activities on offer globally despite the mishap.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi said government will launch a full investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident. He expressed sympathy to the families involved in the mishap.
“We now await a full investigation by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to ascertain what transpired,” he said.
“We want to re-affirm the safety of the destination and we will make sure that such negligence which could have resulted in the accident is avoided.”
Minister Mzembi said the injured nationals of the United States, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Australia were treated at the Chinotimba Medical Centre and Victoria Falls Hospital, both in Victoria Falls.
He said two of the critically injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa, but one died as a result of the injuries he sustained.
“My Ministry and the Victoria Falls Tourism Community continue to provide full support and assistance to the affected people,” said Minister Mzembi.
“We would like to express deep appreciation to the following service providers, Chinotimba Medical Clinic, Victoria Falls Hospital, Victoria Falls Municipality, Medical Air Rescue Services, EMRAS, PSMI, all medical aid and emergency services personnel, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwean and Zambian governments, and the Victoria Falls community who rendered assistance during the crisis.”
Minister Mzembi said Victoria Falls remained a safe tourist destination despite the accident, adding that the country valued the US as a tourist source market, which has arguably the highest number of tourists coming into the country.
The collision occurred near the Victoria Falls Hotel around 5PM when the goods train, coming from Hwange, rammed into the tram.
Trams are used to transport tourists to the resort town’s star attractions such as the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Rainforest.
The Victoria Falls Tourism Community expressed sadness and regret that the accident happened, leading to the loss of a life.
“It is with sadness and regret that The Victoria Falls Tourism Community advises of an accident involving a tram and a goods train that occurred on July 1, 2014 at approximately 5PM at the entrance to the Victoria Falls Train Station,” reads part of the statement.
“The Victoria Falls Tourism Community continues to provide full support and assistance to the affected people.”
Victoria Falls mayor councillor Sifiso Mpofu also expressed sadness that the accident had happened resulting in the death of the tourist.
“It is very unfortunate that the accident happened and our deepest condolences and sympathy are with the friends and family of the deceased,” he said.
Cllr Mpofu said the resort town remains one of the safest tourist attractions in the world and encouraged more tourists to visit the country.
“We have the number one wonder, which are the very smiling Zimbabweans and we have one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls Rainforest. We encourage more tourists to visit us and we are a very safe destination with many activities to do,” he said.
Operators of the steam train said they are working with the NRZ and all relevant authorities to establish the cause of the accident.
Online Reporter