THREE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) employees died in an accident which took place between Mutare and Machipanda on Monday.
In a statement, NRZ said preliminary investigations indicated that the locomotive suffered brake failure and fell into a gorge.
The locomotive was pulling 14 wagons that comprised nine carrying export chrome concentrates and five granite blocks.
“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,” the statement read.
"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 parastatal did not reveal the identities of the deceased.
“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.”
NRZ said further investigations were underway to verify the actual cause of the accident.
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“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.
