Prominance S.K Khumalo
GWERU – Two Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers narrowly escaped death after their Mahindra pick-up truck was struck by a train at a rail crossing near the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) depot on Tuesday night. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of railroad crossings in the area.
According to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), the accident occurred around 8 PM when the police driver allegedly failed to yield to the oncoming train.
“This is the second such incident this year following another collision in Marondera in January involving a police Ford Ranger,” said NRZ spokesman Andrew Kunambura. “There were two police officers in the car. The driver was injured and transported to the hospital while the other police officer escaped unhurt.”
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the train hitting the police vehicle at considerable speed.
“It was a terrifying sight,” said a local resident. “The impact was massive—the police car was swept aside, and the front cabin was almost unrecognizable after the accident.”
Emergency services, including paramedics and firefighters, rushed to the scene and worked to free the trapped officers.
“Our priority was to get the officers out safely,” said a firefighter involved in the rescue. “We used hydraulic tools to cut through the mangled metal and free them as quickly as possible.”
The injured driver was taken to a nearby hospital, while the second officer escaped without harm. Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash.
“We are deeply concerned about the welfare of our officers and are committed to establishing the exact cause of the accident,” said a ZRP spokesperson.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for improved safety measures at rail crossings.
“This is not the first time we’ve had an incident at this crossing,” said a community leader. “We need better warning signals or barriers to prevent such tragedies.”
Kunambura urged all motorists, including law enforcement, to exercise caution.
“Drivers must come to a complete stop, check for approaching trains, and proceed with caution,” he said. “Never attempt to race a train.”
As the investigation continues, the Gweru community has rallied in support of the injured officer.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families,” said a local church leader. “We pray for a full recovery and urge authorities to take action to prevent future accidents.”
Zim GBC News ©