The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has intensified investigations to determine the cause of the accident in which three of its staffers died in a train crash on Monday night.
The three — senior engineman, Mr Tasunungurwa Mapuranga; yardman, Mr Enock Tawabarira and a security officer, Mr Pride Femerepi — died in a train crash in the mountainous area near Forbes Border Post in Mutare.
Preliminary investigations by NRZ suggest that the locomotive, which was pulling 14 wagons laden with nine export chrome concentrates and five granite blocks, may have suffered brake failure.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona sent condolence messages to the families of the three.
“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe, the ministry and all actors in the railways and bulk logistics sector, I wish to extend our deepest and sincere condolences to the grieving and bereaved families, friends and colleagues over the deaths of their loved ones.
“The loss of the three railway men is not only a loss to their families and friends, but to the entire ministry, the NRZ community and the nation at large.
“It was particularly saddening that the three men met their deaths during the course of duty, where they played an integral role in ensuring the success of NRZ as a mover of bulk commodities. My ministry and the NRZ will forever be grateful to them for the service they gave to the company. The Ministry and NRZ are doing their best to assist and console the bereaved families during these difficult times.”
In a statement issued early this week, NRZ said: “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. Sadly, the three NRZ crew were trapped and could not make it to safety.
“Investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, after which full details will be disclosed.”
