The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is sounding the alarm bells over a surge in rail level crossing accidents and incidents involving pedestrians struck by trains. According to a stark mid-year report, 13 level crossing accidents were recorded between January and June this year alone, resulting in 13 injuries. During the same period, 10 pedestrians were hit by trains while walking on or near the tracks, leading to four deaths and six serious injuries.
If the trend continues, NRZ warns that last year’s figures will be significantly surpassed. In 2024, Zimbabwe recorded 13 level crossing accidents in total, with one death and 26 injuries. Additionally, five people were killed and eight injured after being struck by trains last year. These statistics paint a grim picture and underscore the need for motorists and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution on railway tracks.
NRZ emphasizes that safety on the railway tracks is a shared responsibility and urges all road users to adhere to traffic regulations at level crossings by stopping, looking out for trains, and listening for warning signals. The railway operator further urges motorists to be patient at level crossings, saying, “A few moments of waiting can save a lifetime of regret.” NRZ also appeals to pedestrians to avoid walking on or along railway tracks and to use designated footbridges and crossing points whenever possible.
The recent collision involving a luxury tourist train near Gwanda, which resulted in injuries to several crew members and passengers, has raised fresh concerns about safety on Zimbabwe’s ageing railway infrastructure. Preliminary investigations point to a serious lapse in operational coordination, highlighting the need for improved safety measures.
In related news, NRZ has incurred losses of over US$35,000 due to acts of vandalism in the first half of the year, during which 101 offenders were arrested with some subsequently being convicted and sentenced. The parastatal has incorporated drones to monitor its infrastructure and prevent such incidents.
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