By Tapiwa Chawagarira
TRIANGLE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the bus-train accident that occurred at a railway level crossing in Triangle a National Disaster, following the loss of nine lives and injuries to several passengers.
In his condolence message the President expressed profound shock and sorrow over the tragedy, which has plunged the nation into mourning.
“It is with a profound sense of shock and deep sorrow that I learnt of the horrific collision of a bus and a train at a level crossing in Triangle yesterday, which tragically claimed nine precious lives and left several others injured,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Head of State noted that the tragedy was made even more painful by reports that some of the victims were school children, coming barely a week after another fatal road accident claimed seven lives in similar circumstances.
The accident occurred at a railway crossing in Triangle, where a passenger bus travelling through the sugar-producing town smashed into a train, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. Emergency services, police officers and medical personnel responded swiftly to the scene, with the injured rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.
The President said the grief caused by the accident was being felt across the entire country and extended condolences on behalf of Government, the ruling party, and the people of Zimbabwe.
“The grief caused by this tragedy to the affected families is immeasurable and keenly felt by all of us as a nation,” he said. “I extend my deepest heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish all those injured and hospitalised a speedy recovery.”
The declaration of the accident as a National Disaster is expected to facilitate the mobilisation of Government resources and support towards affected families, including funeral assistance, medical care for survivors and other forms of relief.
“To assist the bereaved families and all those receiving medical care, I have since directed Government to declare this bloody accident a National Disaster. This important step helps Government mobilise the necessary support to the affected families,” the President added.
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for enhanced safety measures at railway crossings across the country, with transport and road safety advocates urging motorists to exercise extreme caution when approaching rail intersections.
