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Elderly man survives train collision while sleeping on tracks
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A 62-year-old homeless man from Bulawayo narrowly escaped death after being struck by a moving train while sleeping on railway tracks under the Luveve Flyover on Saturday morning.
The man, identified as Everton Sithole, sustained head and leg injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Mpilo Hospital. His condition is reported to be stable.
Incident Details
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, confirmed the incident. He stated that the train, operated by the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Railway, was traveling from Cement Siding towards Mpopoma when the driver noticed what appeared to be a heap of garbage on the tracks.
"The engineman realised it was a human only when the train was about two metres away," said Inspector Ncube. "The victim raised his head just as the train's right bumper struck him. The driver managed to stop the train approximately 15 metres from the scene and called an ambulance, which transported the victim to Mpilo Hospital."
Call for Vigilance
Inspector Ncube urged families to look after vulnerable relatives to prevent such incidents.
"We appeal to the public to take care of their loved ones who are in need, especially the elderly and homeless, to avoid tragedies like these," he said.
Rising Train Accidents
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) expressed concern over the increasing number of train-related accidents. Andrew Kunambura, NRZ's public relations manager, highlighted that between October 19 and 23, 2024, five people were injured in eight separate incidents involving trains.
In one of these incidents, a man was found with a broken leg on tracks in Makwiro, Mashonaland West, after being hit by a train.
"Train accidents involving humans are a growing concern," said Kunambura. "We urge pedestrians to exercise caution near railway tracks, and motorists to always stop at level crossings and ensure no train is approaching before proceeding."
Community Support Needed
The incident has reignited discussions about homelessness and mental health support in Bulawayo. Sithole's survival, though miraculous, underscores the urgent need for enhanced public awareness and assistance for vulnerable populations who may inadvertently put themselves in harm's way.
Authorities are calling on communities and civic organizations to collaborate on solutions to address homelessness and reduce such risks near railway infrastructure.
The man, identified as Everton Sithole, sustained head and leg injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Mpilo Hospital. His condition is reported to be stable.
Incident Details
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, confirmed the incident. He stated that the train, operated by the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Railway, was traveling from Cement Siding towards Mpopoma when the driver noticed what appeared to be a heap of garbage on the tracks.
"The engineman realised it was a human only when the train was about two metres away," said Inspector Ncube. "The victim raised his head just as the train's right bumper struck him. The driver managed to stop the train approximately 15 metres from the scene and called an ambulance, which transported the victim to Mpilo Hospital."
Call for Vigilance
Inspector Ncube urged families to look after vulnerable relatives to prevent such incidents.
"We appeal to the public to take care of their loved ones who are in need, especially the elderly and homeless, to avoid tragedies like these," he said.
Rising Train Accidents
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) expressed concern over the increasing number of train-related accidents. Andrew Kunambura, NRZ's public relations manager, highlighted that between October 19 and 23, 2024, five people were injured in eight separate incidents involving trains.
In one of these incidents, a man was found with a broken leg on tracks in Makwiro, Mashonaland West, after being hit by a train.
"Train accidents involving humans are a growing concern," said Kunambura. "We urge pedestrians to exercise caution near railway tracks, and motorists to always stop at level crossings and ensure no train is approaching before proceeding."
Community Support Needed
The incident has reignited discussions about homelessness and mental health support in Bulawayo. Sithole's survival, though miraculous, underscores the urgent need for enhanced public awareness and assistance for vulnerable populations who may inadvertently put themselves in harm's way.
Authorities are calling on communities and civic organizations to collaborate on solutions to address homelessness and reduce such risks near railway infrastructure.
Source - The Chronicle
