Tourists on the luxury Rovos Rail train heading to Victoria Falls escaped harm when their train hit a goods train near Gwanda yesterday morning. The crash happened around 7 AM at Hantinya area, causing one coach to flip onto its side five meters from the tracks with a crew member trapped inside. Gwanda Fire Brigade rescued the trapped worker after two hours. Several other coaches derailed during the accident. Medical teams took 18 injured crew members to Gwanda Provincial Hospital.
Two critically injured crew members were later moved to Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo for special care. All 47 international passengers remained safe throughout the ordeal. Buses transported these tourists and their luggage to a Bulawayo hotel as officials made new travel plans. The Rovos train had left Pretoria on Thursday, planning to reach Victoria Falls on Sunday, carrying 31 staff members alongside the tourists.
Residents helped carry injured people up a steep hill to waiting ambulances. District Development Coordinator Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu praised how quickly everyone responded to help. Police secured the crash site to protect the train property. Hospital staff reported most patients were stable except three who needed transfer for serious injuries. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed investigations started immediately after the collision.
Two critically injured crew members were later moved to Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo for special care. All 47 international passengers remained safe throughout the ordeal. Buses transported these tourists and their luggage to a Bulawayo hotel as officials made new travel plans. The Rovos train had left Pretoria on Thursday, planning to reach Victoria Falls on Sunday, carrying 31 staff members alongside the tourists.
Residents helped carry injured people up a steep hill to waiting ambulances. District Development Coordinator Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu praised how quickly everyone responded to help. Police secured the crash site to protect the train property. Hospital staff reported most patients were stable except three who needed transfer for serious injuries. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed investigations started immediately after the collision.
