Tourists Hurt as Luxury Train Derails in Zimbabwe

By Shingirai Vambe

A devastating train collision occurred in Zimbabwe’s southern town of Gwanda when a luxury train carrying foreign tourists to Victoria Falls derailed after colliding with a freight train. The Rovos Rail train, which had departed from Pretoria, South Africa, was headed to one of Zimbabwe’s most popular tourist destinations.

The incident resulted in several injuries, with reports indicating that between four and 18 people were hurt. According to the luxury train’s spokeswoman, Liezl Maclean, four crew members were injured, while guests were being observed as a precautionary measure. However, a local rail employee claimed that the total number of injured was higher, with 14 people admitted to Gwanda Provincial Hospital and four to Mater Dei in Bulawayo.

The train was carrying 47 international tourists on a bespoke train safari through southern Africa. Rovos Rail is known for offering luxurious train journeys through the heart of Africa, and this particular trip was part of a package that included a three- or four-night journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls.

Rescue workers were quick to respond to the incident, and images shared on social media showed them carrying injured passengers on stretchers through the wreckage. The cause of the accident is still unclear, and investigations are likely to follow.

 

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