Three NRZ crew die in train runaway accident in Mozambique

Harare, (New Ziana) – Three National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) crew members died in a train accident which occurred between Mutare and Machipanda in Mozombique on Monday evening, the parastatal said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the NRZ public affairs department said the locomotive was pulling fourteen wagons laden with nine export chrome concentrates and five granite blocks, headed for the port city of Beira.

It suffered brake failure leading to a runaway, which culminated in the train failing to negotiate a sharp curve and falling into a gorge.

“Sadly, the three NRZ crews were trapped and could not make it to safety, also their identities cannot be divulged until their next of kin have been advised,” the NRZ said.

It said investigations were underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The NRZ is a Bulawayo headquartered state-owned enterprise that was established in 1893 and is governed by an Act of Parliament.

It has a commercial-administrative center in Harare and a supply center in Gweru.

The parastatal has been dogged by challenges stemming from years of mismanagement and lack of recapitalisation, which have seen it operating antiquated rolling stock and infrastructure.

The government has since initiated moves to revive the ailing entity, which is a key enabler for manufacturing, agriculture and mining.

New Ziana