The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) said the driver of a kombi involved in a train collision at the Mahatshula level crossing in Bulawayo on Wednesday morning failed to stop, despite the train sounding its horn.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 19 February, NRZ said that eyewitnesses confirmed the kombi driver sped past two vehicles that had already stopped to give way to the approaching train, which had been sounding its horn.
As a result of the collision, three schoolchildren were injured and are currently recovering at a local hospital. Said NRZ:
<blockquote>
Earlier this morning, a commuter omnibus was struck by a train at the Mahatshula level crossing in Bulawayo. According to eyewitnesses, the driver sped past two vehicles that had stopped to give way to an approaching train, which was already sounding the horn.
Three schoolchildren were injured and are recuperating at a local hospital. NRZ once again urges drivers to observe road/rail level crossing rules, which instruct drivers to always stop, look both ways and listen carefully before proceeding across the tracks; never attempt to beat a train at a crossing.
</blockquote>
An earlier report had said the three learners aboard the kombi had escaped unscathed.

Pindula News

A kombi driver in Zimbabwe didn't stop at a crossing even when a train was honking. The train hit the kombi, injuring three children. The National Railways of Zimbabwe said the driver ignored the warning signs. The children are now in the hospital. NRZ wants drivers to follow crossing rules and not rush to beat trains. Earlier, it was reported that the children were unhurt, but they were actually injured in the accident.

"Kombi Driver Ignored Warning Horn Before Mahatshula Train Collision"

Three pupils narrowly escaped injury when the commuter omnibus they were travelling in was struck by a train at a railway crossing in Bulawayo’s Mahatshula suburb.
The incident occurred around 7 AM on Wednesday, as the driver of the speeding commuter omnibus tried to beat the train at the intersection but collided with it.
A vendor, who wished to remain anonymous, told <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/train-commuter-omnibus-collide-in-mahatshula/">The Sunday News</a> that the crash was caused by the driver’s attempt to cross the tracks before the train arrived.
The passengers, including the three pupils, were quickly rushed to United Bulawayo Hospitals for medical treatment, though none of them sustained serious injuries. Said the eyewitness:
<blockquote>
The students appeared to have escaped physical harm, although they may have sustained minor internal injuries and the driver was suffering a fractured leg.
</blockquote>
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) confirmed the accident on Wednesday afternoon, saying the driver of a kombi failed to stop, despite the train sounding its horn.
The NRZ also said the three schoolchildren were injured and are currently recovering at a local hospital.

Three kids and others were in a van when a train hit it in Bulawayo. The driver was trying to cross before the train came. The kids and others were taken to the hospital but were not badly hurt. The train company warns people to be careful near train tracks. It's dangerous to try to beat a train at a crossing. Everyone should be very careful around trains to stay safe.

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