6 die at rail crossing points 

Source: 6 die at rail crossing points –Newsday Zimbabwe

SIX people have died in 32 railway accidents since the beginning of the year, National Railways of Zimbabwe acting general manager Ainah Dube-Kaguru said yesterday.

Speaking during the launch of Railway Safety Week in Harare, Dube-Kaguru  emphasised the need for increased safety measures and called for a comprehensive review of existing safety protocols to prevent further accidents.

“So far this year, we have recorded 32 level crossing accidents in which six people were killed compared to 24 last year which resulted in two deaths, while in 2021 we had 10 accidents with one death,” she said.

Most of the accidents have been attributed to negligence by motorists and pedestrians.

“We have a situation whereby motorists try to beat incoming trains, others go on a date on railway lines and some have earphones plugged while crossing the lines,” she said.

Most of the accidents were recorded in the eastern region which covers Harare.

Speaking on behalf of Transport minister Felix Mhona, human resources director in the ministry Beaven Murungweni expressed concern over the vandalism of railway infrastructure.

“The vandalism of railway infrastructure is not only a criminal act but also endangers the lives of innocent people. We must work together to ensure the safety and security of our railways,” he said.