A somber cloud hangs over Zimbabwe as the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) grapples with a series of tragic accidents, claiming the lives of four individuals in separate incidents across the country. The incidents, occurring within a span of just two days, have prompted investigations and renewed calls for increased public awareness regarding railway safety.
The most gruesome of these incidents occurred on Monday evening near Odzi, Manicaland, where Trymore Shata (35) met a horrific end. Shata, from Confect ARDA, was struck by a Mozambique-bound goods train, resulting in severe injuries, including decapitation and multiple fractures and cuts. His body was dragged by the train for over 20 metres, according to reports.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the tragic event. He stated that the train driver, Elsio Verniz Jimu, spotted Shata lying on the railway line approximately 60 metres ahead. “He sounded the horn to alert him, but Shata failed to move out of the way. Jimu applied the emergency brakes, but unfortunately, Shata was run over by the train. The train came to a stop after about 20 metres, while Shata’s body was still under the train,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Shata was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was transported to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for a post mortem examination. His father, James Shata, was notified as the next of kin.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said that investigations are currently underway to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the incident. The police are working to ascertain whether Shata was alive or already deceased when he was struck by the train.
Adding to the grim toll, the NRZ reported two more separate incidents on the same day, involving individuals being run over by trains in Zvishavane and Mutare.
According to the NRZ, the first of these incidents involved a man found unresponsive on the rail tracks at Odzi Siding near Mutare, as a train approached. “The man was lying lifeless on the tracks and did not respond to the approaching train’s sounding horn. The train crew suspect the man was already dead by the time he was run over,” the NRZ stated. The man was not carrying any identification, and police are currently working to identify him.
The NRZ further reported, “In yet another tragic incident today, a man died after being run over by a train near Zvishavane. Peter Vengesayi of Village 1, Zeederburg under Chief Mafala was lying on the tracks when the incident occured. The NRZ extends its condolences to his family.”
Adding to the week’s tragic tally, a third incident occurred in Bulawayo on Tuesday, where a man was run over and killed by a train while listening to music through earphones.
The NRZ reported that the victim was “run over by a locomotive near Bulawayo Station at 12.55PM.” They added, “He was listening to music through earphones… The NRZ urges the public to be cautious when walking close to railway tracks and not to put on earphones.”
These incidents bring the total number of train-related fatalities to four in just two days, raising serious concerns about railway safety and prompting calls for increased vigilance from the public. The NRZ has consistently urged the public to exercise caution when near railway tracks, but these recent tragedies underscore the need for more comprehensive safety measures.
The circumstances surrounding each of these incidents remain under investigation. While some appear to be accidental, the NRZ and law enforcement are exploring all possibilities, including the potential for foul play or other contributing factors.
The NRZ is urging members of the public to be extra cautious when in the vicinity of railway lines. They are advising people to avoid walking on or near the tracks, especially while distracted by mobile phones or other devices. They are also reminding people that trains can travel at high speeds and require considerable distance to stop, making it crucial to remain alert and aware of one’s surroundings.
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