Antony Chawagarira
CHIREDZI — Five people were injured when a Toyota Quantum kombi crashed into a National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive at the Nandi railway level crossing along the Ngundu-Tanganda Highway early this morning.
The accident occurred at around 2:35 a.m. and involved NRZ locomotive 1003, which was operating on the railway line used to transport sugarcane from Mkwasine to the sugar mill at Hippo Valley.
Preliminary information indicates that three men and two women sustained injuries in the collision.
Four of the victims reportedly sustained minor injuries, while one person suffered serious injuries to the leg and hand.
The locomotive also sustained damage to its ABP pipe and vent.
The accident resulted in the blockage of the mainline, disrupting rail operations along the Chiredzi-Mwenezi section.
The Toyota Quantum, registration number LAF 379 NW, was reportedly towing a trailer with registration number JCB 554 NW.
Police, railway security personnel, Chiredzi General Hospital, and an ambulance were alerted following the accident.
NRZ authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the accident at the time of going to press.
The circumstances surrounding the collision were also not immediately clear, with investigations expected to establish what transpired.
In June this year, nine people, including two children, were killed when a passenger bus was struck by a goods train after reportedly failing to stop at a railway level crossing on Mbizi Road in Chiredzi district.
