In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded between Mutare and Machipanda on Monday, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) mourns the loss of three of its dedicated employees. The unfortunate accident occurred when a locomotive, laden with cargo, experienced brake failure and plunged into a deep gorge.
NRZ released a statement confirming the distressing incident and shedding light on the preliminary findings of their investigation. The locomotive was pulling a string of 14 wagons, carrying a cargo consisting of nine export chrome concentrates and five granite blocks. According to the initial assessment, it appears that a brake failure triggered the calamitous chain of events, ultimately resulting in the train’s inability to navigate a sharp curve and its subsequent descent into the abyss.
“The NRZ would like to inform the nation of a fatal train accident which took place between Mutare and Machipanda around 2100 hours on Monday February 19, 2024.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the locomotive, which was pulling 14 wagons laden with nine export chrome concentrates and five granite blocks, may have suffered a brake failure leading to a runaway which culminated in the train failing to negotiate a sharp curve, thereby falling into the gorge.
“The NRZ board, management and staff would like to express sincere condolences to the families of the hardworking, dedicated crew members who shall always be remembered by the railways family.
“Our thoughts are with their families and we pray for God to comfort and strengthen them in these very difficult times. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, after which full details will be disclosed,” the statement read.
