BULAWAYO – The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has sounded the alarm over a surge in railway accidents after three people were struck by trains in separate incidents in one day, leaving one dead and two others seriously injured.
In the fatal incident, an unidentified man died on the spot after he was hit by a train in Matabeleland South while allegedly sleeping on the tracks.
The man was lying across the railway line along the Stanmore–Gwanda section when the train approached but failed to respond to repeated sounding of the horn.
“The driver sounded the horn, but the man did not move from the tracks,” NRZ said.
His body was taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary.
“Our thoughts are with the deceased’s family during this difficult time,” the rail operator added.
In Mashonaland Central, another man sustained serious injuries after being struck by a train between Passaford and Tatagura.
“He suffered a deep cut on the back and was rushed to Concession Hospital for treatment,” NRZ said.
In Harare, a third victim lost both legs after being run over by a shunt train in what NRZ described as a “tragic and avoidable incident.”
“He was taken to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and is receiving treatment. We wish him a speedy recovery,” the statement said.
NRZ warned that most of the accidents were preventable and blamed risky behavior by members of the public.
“These incidents are largely a result of people walking, sitting, or sleeping on railway tracks,” the parastatal said.
“We urge the public to exercise caution and stay away from railway lines at all times.”
The latest incidents come against a backdrop of growing concern over railway-related deaths in Zimbabwe.
According to NRZ, 25 people were hit by trains in 2025, resulting in 11 deaths and 14 injuries, an 83 percent increase in fatalities compared to six deaths recorded in 2024.
“This represents an alarming increase in deaths despite fewer accidents,” NRZ public affairs manager Andrew Kunambura said in a recent interview.
Earlier figures also show that at least 10 people were struck by trains in the first half of 2025 alone, leaving four dead and six injured.
Transport data further indicates broader safety challenges within the rail sector, with 54 rail-related accidents recorded in a single quarter, most of them involving shunting operations.
“Railway tracks are not footpaths. One mistake can cost a life,” the parastatal warned.
