At least nine people, including two children, were killed and more than two dozen injured after a freight train collided with a passenger bus at a railway crossing in southern Zimbabwe on Tuesday, authorities said.
The crash occurred in Triangle, a sugar producing town in the Chiredzi district, when the bus entered a level crossing and was struck by an oncoming train traveling from Triangle toward the Lundi siding, officials said.
A deadly collision between a freight train and a bus in southern Zimbabwe has left nine people dead, including children, and at least 25 others injured, raising renewed concerns over road and rail safety in the country.
What we know so far
Police and the National Railways of Zimbabwe confirmed that nine passengers died at the scene, among them seven adults and two minors. At least 25 others were taken to hospital for treatment, with some reports indicating the number of injured could be higher.
Rail authorities said the crash occurred after the bus driver failed to stop and check for an approaching train before crossing the tracks, in violation of established railway safety rules.
Images from the scene showed the bus severely damaged beside the railway line, with parts of its structure torn away and debris scattered across the surrounding area.
Emergency responders, including police, ambulance services and fire crews, were deployed to manage rescue operations and assist the injured.
What authorities are saying
The National Railways of Zimbabwe, through spokesperson Andrew Kanambura, said the incident stemmed from a failure to observe level crossing regulations, which require drivers to stop and ensure tracks are clear before proceeding.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the fatalities and said further details would be released as investigations continue.
Authorities extended condolences to the families of those killed and urged motorists to adhere strictly to safety rules at railway crossings to prevent similar tragedies.
Why this matters
The crash highlights persistent safety challenges on Zimbabwe’s roads and rail crossings, where accidents are frequent and often deadly. Government data indicates that traffic incidents occur every 15 minutes in the country, with an average of five deaths recorded daily.
Human error remains the leading cause, accounting for the vast majority of accidents, according to national road safety authorities.
The incident also reflects a broader regional issue, as Africa continues to record the highest rate of road traffic fatalities globally despite having a relatively small share of the world’s vehicles. Public transport vehicles, including buses, are frequently involved in major crashes due to high passenger loads and infrastructure limitations.
The collision comes days after another fatal incident involving schoolchildren and follows a series of recent road accidents, underscoring ongoing risks across the transport system.
What happens next
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances leading to the crash, including driver actions and safety compliance at the crossing.
Authorities may also review enforcement of traffic regulations and consider additional safety measures at railway intersections.
Medical teams continue to treat the injured, while officials are likely to release updated casualty figures and findings as more information becomes available.
AP/Zimlive/bendigoadvertiser
