Nine Dead as Bus and Train Collide in Chiredzi Horror

CHIREDZI – A horrific accident involving a passenger bus and a goods train has claimed the lives of nine people, including two children, in Triangle on Tuesday morning.

The tragedy occurred at the Mbizi Road level crossing at around 7 AM when a Makuku Bus, carrying passengers from Chikombedzi to Masvingo, was struck by an oncoming goods train.

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) confirmed that the train was traveling from Triangle to the Lundi siding when the bus driver reportedly failed to observe level crossing rules.

Witnesses at the scene described a gruesome sight as emergency services worked to extricate survivors from the mangled wreckage of the bus.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the death toll and stated that 26 others were injured in the collision.

“Police officers are still attending to the accident, and more details will be released as they become available,” Commissioner Nyathi said.

The NRZ reported that 25 passengers were hospitalized, with various degrees of injuries, following the impact. Among the nine confirmed dead were seven adults and two minors.

The NRZ expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and urged motorists to exercise extreme caution at railway crossings.

“The bus driver failed to observe level crossing rules, which require drivers to stop and check for oncoming trains before proceeding,” the NRZ stated.

The parastatal emphasized that such tragedies are avoidable if motorists strictly adhere to safety regulations. “We appeal to all road users to observe level crossing regulations to avoid the loss of lives and injuries.”

Emergency services, including the fire brigade and ambulances, remained on-site for several hours as they managed the rescue operation.

The accident has once again brought to the fore the urgent need for increased vigilance and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent further carnage on Zimbabwe’s roads.