Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has raised concerns over a surge in level crossing accidents and incidents where pedestrians are struck by trains.
In a statement issued on Monday, 7 June 2025, the NRZ revealed that during the first half of the year, 13 level crossing accidents had been recorded, resulting in 13 injuries. Additionally, 10 people were hit by trains while walking on or near the tracks, leading to four deaths and six injuries.
By comparison, the entire previous year saw 13 level crossing accidents resulting in one death and 26 injuries, while five people were killed and eight injured after being struck by trains.
The NRZ warned that if the current trend continues, this year’s figures are likely to surpass last year’s totals significantly. The statement reads:
These statistics paint a grim picture and underscore the need for motorists and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution on railway tracks.
Apart from causing deaths and life changing injuries, accidents on the tracks severely affect NRZ crews. After an accident, trains crews have to stop and wait for the police to attend the scene, disrupting movement of traffic on corridors where the accidents would have occurred.
Safety on the railway tracks is a shared responsibility and we urge all road users to adhere to traffic regulations at level crossings by stopping, looking out for trains, and listening for warning signals.
The NRZ has appealed to motorists to exercise patience at level crossings, emphasising that a few moments of waiting could prevent a lifetime of regret.
It also urged pedestrians to avoid walking on or along railway tracks, and to only cross after carefully checking for oncoming trains.
Wherever possible, the public is encouraged to use designated pedestrian crossing points, such as footbridges. Reads the statement:
We have noted that some people are using tracks to exercise to keep fit. This is a dangerous undertaking as people would not be paying attention to their surroundings and might not see approaching trains.
Pedestrians should also avoid distractions like mobile phones or headphones when near railway lines while parents and schools should educate children about the dangers of playing near railway tracks.
By working together, we can reduce the number of accidents and fatalities along railway tracks.
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