Source: Tourists vow to continue journey to Victoria Falls despite train mishap | The Sunday Mail
Sikhumbuzo Moyo and Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
TOURISTS who survived the head-on collision between a Rovos Rail passenger luxury train and a Bulawayo-Beitbridge Railway (BBR) goods train on Good Friday have expressed their determination to continue their adventure to the majestic Victoria Falls despite the unfortunate incident.
The crash resulted in seven crew members and one female tourist from the United States being hospitalised at Mater Dei Hospital, each suffering from varying degrees of injury.
Notably, one South African crew member faced a challenging 12-hour operation due to a spinal cord injury.
The Rovos Rail train was travelling to Victoria Falls with a total of 47 tourists hailing from different countries such as USA, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
The train is run by a private railway company operating out of Capital Park Station in Pretoria, South Africa and runs its train-hotel to a regular schedule on various routes throughout Southern Africa.
Yesterday, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi, accompanied by the Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube visited those who were injured during the accident, assuring them of the Zimbabwean Government’s support until they fully recovered.
Minister Rwodzi revealed that their visit came at the instigation of President Mnangagwa who asked them to check on the condition of the tourists.
Narrating her experience to the two Ministers, the American national, who is the only tourist who was injured, Ms Cheril Fagn, from St Francisco in California, said she was grateful to have survived the accident and the quick assistance that she received from the first responders to hospital staff.
“I do understand that accidents do happen, even though I gather the other train shouldn’t have been on the rails. I am also happy that nobody died. Anyway, everybody here has been very lovely, you’re a very nice people and I promise you, I will come back under different circumstances,” said Ms Fagn, who is in Zimbabwe and Africa for the first time.
After visiting the injured victims, the two Ministers went to a local hotel to visit the other uninjured tourists, who were visibly surprised by the hospitality gesture from the two Government Ministers.
The tourists appeared to be in shock when Minister Rwodzi introduced herself, quickly rushing to take selfies with both ministers.
In interviews, the tourists, who are from different countries such as USA, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, most of them first-time visitors in Zimbabwe, were awed at the care and hospitality that they received, from the accident scene to the hotel they were staying in.
“It was scary when the train derailed but the rescue staff was incredible, we didn’t know what happened at first but once they started to tell us we stayed in our rooms. We got things together and everybody was so calm, professional and kind. It remains remarkable that nobody died, only injuries but the treatment was so nice. We were then welcomed into this city (Bulawayo) with such brightness and kindness and it really helped to ease the nerves,” said Ms Karen Shields from Washington DC in the USA.
A Danish national, Dr Peter Andersen said they were in the coach that was next to the train locomotive and hearing the crash was beyond comprehension and everything went from chaos until order.
He praised the Zimbabwe Republic Police for their calming presence as they initially felt insecure in the bush where the incident happened.
Another first timer to Zimbabwe, Dr Andersen said he rendered medical assistance to the injured passengers before they were ferried to the hospital by ambulance crews.
In an interview after the two visits, Minister Rwodzi said Zimbabwe is strategically leveraging tourism to foster positive relations with other countries, hence her coming together with Minister Ncube to visit the injured as well as the rest of the passengers.
“The branding of our destination is key, and coming to check on them is also sending a message to the outside world that we want to know their condition, the circumstances of the accident and to also sympathise with them. We want them to know that the Government will always be there for them and to ensure they get any assistance they need until they get back home.
“We are happy that we didn’t lose any lives, those in hospital are all stable and to send a message that tourism and hospitality go all the way to even unfortunate incidents like these is our goal,” said Minister Rwodzi.
Minister Ncube echoed similar sentiments, adding that Zimbabwe will be with the injured until full recovery.
“Looking at the train wreckage, we never suspected that we would have no unfortunate loss of life but we are happy that indeed, everyone onboard is alive. Those injured are recuperating well and we want them to know that the Government will never abandon them,” said Minister Ncube.
The tourists were flown to Victoria Falls yesterday by a plane chartered by Rovos Rail.
Minister Rwodzi also visited crew members of the Rovos Train who are temporarily putting up at Gunpa Lodge in Gwanda District while awaiting further logistical arrangements.
The train had 31 crew members.
She assured the company of the Government’s support throughout the ordeal.
“I was sent here by our President, Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare our unwavering support to you as a company throughout this ordeal. I have been to the hospital to see the injured and I’m glad that they are recovering well. It comes as a huge relief that no life was lost.
“We value your contribution as a company that is boosting and supporting our tourist industry. As Government we will be with you throughout this whole situation until everyone has returned to their home area,” she said.
The incident occurred around 7AM in the Hantinya area on Good Friday. Upon impact, one of the Rovos coaches was ripped off the tracks and landed on its side about five metres from the railway line, trapping a crew member inside. Gwanda Fire Brigade personnel swiftly responded and successfully rescued the injured man after a two-hour rescue operation.
Another coach veered off the rail into the bush, while a third coach collided with the one ahead of it.
COMMENTS