A train belonging to South Africa’s famous luxury train operator Rovos Rail collided with a freight locomotive in Zimbabwe while passengers were travelling to the popular tourist spot of Victoria Falls for the Easter holiday. Several crew members were injured and carriages of the train carrying 47 international tourists were derailed in the incident on Friday.
Rovos Rail spokeswoman Liezl Maclean confirmed that four crew members were injured in the accident. Fortunately, passengers on the train were unharmed but received medical checks as a precaution following the derailment.
However, a staff member at Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that a total of 18 people were injured in the accident. He said 14 of these people were taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital, while four people were receiving treatment at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo. The injured include both Rovos Rail crew and possibly freight train personnel.
Zimbabwean Authorities Investigate Cause of Crash
Images shared online after the accident showed emergency crews pulling an injured person from the wreckage of the train's torn-off roof section, clearly showing the severity of the accident and the difficulty of rescue efforts at the scene.
Zimbabwean authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the collision. Investigations into the accident are ongoing and neither train operator has yet to make a full statement.
Rovos Rail's Luxury Victoria Falls Route
Rovos Rail is known for its luxury train journeys across the African continent. The route involved in the Victoria Falls accident covers a distance of approximately 1.400 kilometres from Pretoria, South Africa, to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, over three to four nights. This special journey combines magnificent scenery with exceptional service.
Founded in 1989, Rovos Rail advertises the train services it operates in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania as “private safaris.” The tragic incident in Zimbabwe has raised concerns about the overall safety of regional rail networks.
Developments surrounding the accident are being closely monitored as authorities assess the damage caused by the accident and review operational protocols to ensure the safety of future journeys from South Africa.
