At least nine people, including two children, have been killed after a freight train crashed into a bus at a railway crossing. Police and rail authorities confirmed the fatal collision happened on Tuesday in Triangle in Zimbabwe, a sugar-producing town in the south of the country. At least 25 other people were injured in the crash.
According to police, the freight train struck the bus as it attempted to cross the tracks. Andrew Kanambura, spokesperson for the National Railways of Zimbabwe, said “the driver of the bus failed to observe level crossing rules, which require drivers to stop and check for oncoming trains before proceeding. Unfortunately, nine passengers in the bus died on the spot. They include seven adults and two minors. Twenty-five passengers from the bus were taken to hospital where they are receiving treatment.” Emergency services were called to the scene following the devastating crash as authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Speaking on X, a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police said:
“The ZRP reports a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at 0843 hours this morning along Mbizi Road in Triangle, Masvingo Province when Makuku Bus traveling from Chikombedzi to Masvingo collided with a goods train at a rail-level crossing.
“Nine people are confirmed dead while 26 victims were injured.
“More details will be availed soon as police officers are still attending to the accident.”
The tragedy comes less than a week after another fatal transport incident in Zimbabwe, when a minibus carrying schoolchildren caught fire in the country’s central region, killing seven children.
Road crashes are a common occurrence in Zimbabwe. According to the country’s road safety agency, a traffic accident happens every 15 minutes on average, while an average of five people are killed and 38 injured each day.
A spokesperson for National Railways of Zimbabwe added: “Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic event. We also wish speedy recovery to the injured passengers.
“We would also like to urge all motorists to strictly observe level crossing regulations to avoid loss of lives and injuries.
“Further updates will be shared through our official channels as verified details emerge.”
