Two teens run over by train

TWO Victoria Falls teenage boys were run over by a goods train on the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo railway line yesterday morning.

The tragic accident occurred near Skabela village close to the resort town.

According to Tryphine Shoko, her brother Braidon and his unidentified friend met their horrific death in a drunken state when they were crushed while trying to cross the railway line in front of the oncoming goods train.

Shoko told Southern Eye yesterday that the two teenagers were heading home from a night out drinking alcohol at Lupinyo business centre near the Victoria Falls International Airport.

"We understand that as they were crossing the railway line, Braidon's friend tripped and fell. Eyewitnesses said there was an oncoming goods train and as Braidon tried to help his friend, it was too late and they were both run over and crushed to death," Shoko said, adding that her family was shattered by the tragedy.

National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) spokesperson Fanuel Masikati yesterday confirmed that two people had died after being hit by a goods train close to Skabela village.

"I can confirm that two people died after being hit by a goods train near Skabela village. It's regrettable and sad that this has happened. However, as NRZ we continue to appeal to all Zimbabweans to desist from walking or loitering at or near railway lines. We also warn people against throwing themselves at oncoming trains. We urge suicidal people to seek counselling," he said.

Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Siphiwe Makonese said she was travelling and was in the dark about the train accident deaths.