Zimbabwe bus crash as vehicle struck train leaving children among the 9 killed

Police have confirmed that two children are among the nine dead in a horror incident in Zimbabwe after a train struck a bus in a horror crash at a level crossing

Multiple people, including children, have been killed and dozens injured after a freight train and bus collided in a horror crash in Zimbabwe, according to police.

At least seven adults and two children were reportedly killed in the crash, which occurred at a level crossing in Triangle, a sugar-producing town in the country’s south.

National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ)spokesperson Andrew Kanambura said the bus driver failed to stop and check for oncoming trains before crossing the tracks. The error violates railway safety regulations.

He also said at least 25 other people were hurt in the horror incident as an image of the wreckage has emerged.

In a statement published today (June 16), Kanambura said: “The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) informs the nation of a fatal collision involving one of its trains and a bus at a level crossing in Chiredzi this morning. The train was travelling from Triangle to the NRZ Lundi siding when the accident occurred at 0700hrs.

“The accident occurred when the driver of the bus failed to observe level crossing rules, which require drivers to stop and check for oncoming trains before proceeding. Unfortunately, nine passengers in the bus died on the spot. They include seven adults and two minors.

“Twenty-five passengers from the bus were taken to hospital where they are receiving treatment. Emergency services, including the police, ambulances and fire brigade, are on-site managing the active rescue operation.

“Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic event. We also wish speedy recovery to the injured passengers.

“We would also like to urge all motorists to strictly observe level crossing regulations to avoid loss of lives and injuries. Further updates will be shared through our official channels as verified details emerge.

The crash happened less than a week after a minibus carrying schoolchildren caught fire in central Zimbabwe, killing seven.

Road crashes are common in Zimbabwe, where a traffic accident occurs every 15 minutes and an average of five people are killed and 38 injured each day, according to the country’s road safety agency.

Authorities say human error accounts for 94% of road accidents in the southern African nation.

Africa has the world’s highest road traffic fatality rate despite accounting for only about 3% of the global vehicle population, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

The stats also show buses and other public transport vehicles are frequently involved in major crashes.

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