MUTARE – A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) train traveling between Mutare and Machipanda derailed on Monday evening, tragically claiming the lives of three crew members.
According to a statement released by the NRZ, the accident occurred around 9:00 pm with preliminary investigations suggesting brake failure as the potential cause.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the locomotive, which was pulling 14 wagons laden with nine (9) export chrome concentrates and five (5) granite blocks, may have suffered a brake failure leading to a runaway which culminated in the train failing to negotiate a sharp curve thereby falling into the gorge,” NRZ said in a statement.
“Sadly, the three NRZ Crews were trapped and could not make it to safety,” the statement reads, offering condolences to the families of the deceased. “Their identities cannot be divulged until their next of kin have been advised.”
The NRZ expressed their deepest sympathies to the families and colleagues of the victims, stating, “Our thoughts are with their families and we pray for God to comfort and strengthen them in these very difficult times.”
Investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing, with the promise of full details being disclosed upon their completion.
The tragic event highlights the ongoing concerns about safety within Zimbabwe’s rail infrastructure, which is obsolete owing to years of economic crisis, which forced many companies to close businesses.
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