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3 hit by trains in one day in Zimbabwe
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The National Railways of Zimbabwe has raised alarm over a surge in railway accidents after three people were struck by trains in separate incidents in a single day - leaving one dead and two others seriously injured.
In the fatal incident, an unidentified man was killed instantly after being hit by a train in Matabeleland South. He was reportedly lying across the tracks along the Stanmore-Gwanda section and failed to respond to repeated horn warnings from the approaching train.
"The driver sounded the horn, but the man did not move from the tracks," NRZ said. His body was taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary.
In a separate incident in Mashonaland Central, another man sustained serious injuries after being struck between Passaford and Tatagura. He suffered a deep back wound and was rushed to Concession Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, in Harare, a third victim lost both legs after being run over by a shunting train in what NRZ described as a "tragic and avoidable incident." He is currently receiving treatment at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.
NRZ spokesperson Andrew Kunambura said the majority of such accidents are preventable and linked to risky behaviour.
"These incidents are largely a result of people walking, sitting, or sleeping on railway tracks," the parastatal said. "Railway tracks are not footpaths. One mistake can cost a life."
The latest cases add to growing concern over rail safety in Zimbabwe. According to NRZ, 25 people were hit by trains in 2025, resulting in 11 deaths and 14 injuries—an 83% increase in fatalities compared to 2024.
Earlier data shows that at least 10 people were struck in the first half of 2025 alone, while broader transport figures indicate 54 rail-related accidents in a single quarter, many involving shunting operations.
Authorities are now urging the public to stay away from railway lines at all times, warning that failure to do so continues to result in tragic and avoidable loss of life.
In the fatal incident, an unidentified man was killed instantly after being hit by a train in Matabeleland South. He was reportedly lying across the tracks along the Stanmore-Gwanda section and failed to respond to repeated horn warnings from the approaching train.
"The driver sounded the horn, but the man did not move from the tracks," NRZ said. His body was taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary.
In a separate incident in Mashonaland Central, another man sustained serious injuries after being struck between Passaford and Tatagura. He suffered a deep back wound and was rushed to Concession Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, in Harare, a third victim lost both legs after being run over by a shunting train in what NRZ described as a "tragic and avoidable incident." He is currently receiving treatment at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.
NRZ spokesperson Andrew Kunambura said the majority of such accidents are preventable and linked to risky behaviour.
"These incidents are largely a result of people walking, sitting, or sleeping on railway tracks," the parastatal said. "Railway tracks are not footpaths. One mistake can cost a life."
The latest cases add to growing concern over rail safety in Zimbabwe. According to NRZ, 25 people were hit by trains in 2025, resulting in 11 deaths and 14 injuries—an 83% increase in fatalities compared to 2024.
Earlier data shows that at least 10 people were struck in the first half of 2025 alone, while broader transport figures indicate 54 rail-related accidents in a single quarter, many involving shunting operations.
Authorities are now urging the public to stay away from railway lines at all times, warning that failure to do so continues to result in tragic and avoidable loss of life.
Source - Zimlive
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