A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) freight train carrying coal derailed near Jangano, Kadoma, on Sunday due to severe weather conditions.
The derailment was triggered by heavy rains that fell in Kadoma on Saturday night, resulting in a buildup of mud at a level crossing. The accumulated debris obstructed the railway tracks, making it unsafe for the train to pass.
NRZ confirmed that despite the derailment, the train’s cargo remained intact, and no injuries were reported. Recovery teams were immediately deployed to clear the tracks and realign the railway line.
“Our team successfully moved the derailed wagons, keeping their coal cargo intact. They are now working to restore the tracks and reposition the locomotive,” NRZ stated.
Kadoma recorded 115mm of rainfall within 12 hours, leading to the hazardous conditions that contributed to the incident.
Reacting to the derailment, journalist Hopewell Chin’ono criticized Zimbabwe’s rail infrastructure, blaming decades of neglect. He pointed out that the country once had a railway system superior to that of Britain in the 1960s but has since deteriorated.
“The absence of essential railway components like sleepers makes accidents like these inevitable,” Chin’ono remarked. He also condemned government officials for prioritizing luxury vehicles over critical infrastructure development.
Fortunately, no casualties were recorded in the accident, but concerns over the state of Zimbabwe’s railway network continue to grow.
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