By Patrick Chitumba
A TOURIST has died and another is battling for life following Tuesday’s train and tram collision in Victoria Falls. A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) steam train ploughed into a tram carrying 32 tourists, including a large group of Americans, Australians and Canadians.
Two of the seriously injured tourists were airlifted to South Africa for specialist treatment, but one was confirmed to have died yesterday.
The NRZ yesterday said it had launched an urgent investigation as it expressed its “deepest sympathy and condolence on the sad loss”.
NRZ spokesperson Fanuel Masikati said 20 tourists were injured in the accident that occurred close to the Victoria Falls Train Station.
Eighteen of the group were treated for minor injuries and discharged, while the two who were seriously injured were flown to South Africa for specialist medical attention.
“Information just received confirms that one of the seriously injured persons who had been flown for further treatment has since passed on. We wish to express our deepest sympathy and condolence on the sad loss,” the NRZ said in a statement.
The goods train that was travelling from Thomson Junction rammed into the back of a tram as it was about to pull out after picking up tourists for a tour at around 5PM.
One of the four crew members, who works for the Victoria Falls Steam Train Company, which operates the tram, reportedly jumped off after noticing that an accident was imminent.
While wishing the injured a “speedy recovery”, Masikati was at pains to point out that the NRZ “continues to play its pivotal role of promoting the growth and development of tourism in Zimbabwe by upholding and observing safety in all its operations as well as preserving the sanctity of human life.”
He added that “investigations are underway to establish the cause of the accident.”
Sources told Chronicle that the tourists were in Victoria Falls to attend a wedding that should have taken place yesterday.
Sources say 25 members of the group were Americans while the other seven were Canadians and Australians.
The group has since left the country after the cancellation of the wedding.
The accident disrupted rail services with the passenger train to Bulawayo from Victoria Falls delayed by five hours.
The passenger train normally leaves Victoria Falls at 7:30PM but it only pulled out of the resort town at 12:30AM.
The open-sided tram is a modern built replica of a classic 1890s model and accommodates about 35 passengers.
The tram’s 20 minute ride to the Victoria Falls Bridge which passes through the Victoria Falls Rainforest is popular with tourists who have the opportunity to view game such as elephants and buffalo. Chronicle
