HARARE, ZIMBABWE – A harrowing early morning collision at a railway level crossing in Harare has left six people with serious injuries, prompting the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) to issue a strong plea for motorists to adhere to railway safety regulations.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:00 AM at the Chiremba Road level crossing when the driver of a Honda Fit attempted to cross the railway line ahead of an approaching train. According to the NRZ, the vehicle sped towards the crossing in a reckless attempt to beat the oncoming locomotive.
The inevitable collision saw the train strike the car head-on, resulting in the vehicle being violently thrown off the tracks. Tragically, all six occupants of the Honda Fit sustained serious injuries and were subsequently rushed to a local hospital for urgent medical attention.
In the aftermath of the devastating crash, the NRZ released a statement emphasizing the critical need for motorists to exercise caution and respect railway safety protocols, particularly at level crossings.
“The National Railways of Zimbabwe is deeply concerned by this unfortunate incident, where the driver of a Honda Fit tried to pass the level crossing at Chiremba Road in front of an approaching train, resulting in the collision,” the NRZ stated.
This latest incident has reignited long-standing concerns regarding the dangerous practice of reckless driving at railway level crossings, especially during the night or in areas with poor visibility. Authorities have noted a worrying trend of some motorists disregarding fundamental safety rules, leading to potentially fatal consequences.
“We continue to urge motorists to exercise extreme caution when approaching level crossings and to stop if there is a train coming,” the NRZ reiterated in their statement. The railway authority stressed that taking unnecessary risks at these crossings can have catastrophic outcomes, as tragically demonstrated by this recent crash.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Their inquiry will likely focus on determining the exact cause of the accident and whether any traffic laws were violated.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with disregarding railway safety regulations. The NRZ and law enforcement agencies will likely intensify their efforts to educate the public on the importance of adhering to these rules to prevent further loss of life and serious injuries at railway crossings across the country.
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