By Jeremiah Gora
Nine people were killed while 26 others sustained injuries after a bus collided with a goods train at a rail level crossing in Triangle, Masvingo Province, this morning.
According to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), the accident occurred at around 0700 hours when one of its trains travelling from Triangle to the NRZ Lundi siding collided with a bus at a level crossing in Chiredzi District.
In a statement, NRZ said preliminary investigations indicate that the bus driver failed to observe level crossing regulations which require motorists to stop and check for oncoming trains before proceeding across railway tracks.
The rail operator reported that nine passengers, comprising seven adults and two minors, died at the scene, while 25 others were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the fatal accident, stating that the collision occurred at approximately 0843 hours along Mbizi Road in Triangle.
“The ZRP reports a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at 0843 hours this morning along Mbizi Road in Triangle, Masvingo Province when a Makuku Bus travelling from Chikombedzi to Masvingo collided with a goods train at a rail-level crossing,” the police said in a statement.
Police confirmed that nine people had died while 26 others were injured.
Emergency services, including police officers, ambulances and the fire brigade, responded to the scene and were conducting rescue and recovery operations.
NRZ expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The railway operator also urged motorists to strictly adhere to level crossing regulations to prevent loss of life and injuries.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are underway, with both NRZ and the police expected to provide further details as they become available.