Antony Chawagarira
CHIREDZI – Five people were injured after a minibus was struck by a National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) train at a level crossing in Nandi, Chiredzi, on Thursday evening.
According to the NRZ, the accident left three men and two women with varying degrees of injuries. The victims were rushed to hospital for treatment, and no fatalities were recorded.
The latest collision comes just nine days after another tragic accident at a Chiredzi level crossing, where an NRZ train hit a passenger bus, claiming nine lives and injuring more than 25 others.
In a statement, the NRZ expressed concern over the recurring accidents at railway crossings and urged motorists, particularly public transport operators, to exercise greater caution.
“The NRZ wishes the injured persons a speedy recovery. We urge motorists, especially those driving public passenger vehicles, to stop at level crossings as required and proceed only after ensuring there is no approaching train,” the railway operator said.
The rail operator also warned residents and motorists travelling through Chiredzi to remain vigilant during the ongoing sugarcane harvesting season, when train traffic increases significantly due to the transportation of cane and raw sugar to milling plants.
Meanwhile, the NRZ also reported a separate fatal incident near Melfort, outside Marondera, where a man was killed after being struck by a train on Wednesday night. According to the railway operator, the deceased was reportedly sitting on the railway tracks when the train approached at around 11pm.
The NRZ has reiterated its call for motorists and pedestrians to strictly observe railway crossing regulations and remain alert near rail lines to help prevent further accidents.
