NRZ Blames People Sleeping on Tracks After Three Train Strikes in One Day — One Killed, Two Seriously Injured
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has warned about a sharp rise in railway accidents after three people were hit by trains in separate incidents in one day.
One person died and two others were seriously injured.
In Matabeleland South, an unidentified man was killed after being struck while allegedly sleeping on the tracks along the Stanmore–Gwanda section, Zimlive reports.
The train driver sounded the horn several times but the man did not move. His body was taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary.
Between Passaford and Tatagura in Mashonaland Central, another man suffered a deep cut to his back and was rushed to Concession Hospital for treatment.
In Harare, a shunting train ran over a third person, resulting in both legs being amputated. The victim was taken to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and is receiving treatment.
NRZ said most of these accidents could be avoided and blamed dangerous behaviour such as walking, sitting or sleeping on railway lines.
The rail operator urged people to stay away from tracks and to be careful around trains.
NRZ data show rising rail-related deaths: in 2025, 25 people were hit by trains, with 11 deaths and 14 injuries — an 83% increase in fatalities from 2024.
The rail system also recorded many accidents related to shunting operations. NRZ warned, “Railway tracks are not footpaths. One mistake can cost a life.”
