(NAIJA BLOG) — A man was struck and killed by a moving train near Bulawayo’s central station on Tuesday, July 1, after reportedly crossing railway tracks while wearing noise-cancelling headphones, authorities have confirmed.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) said the incident occurred at around 12:55 PM, marking the third fatal railway accident in the country within a span of just 48 hours. Emergency services are working to identify the victim and notify his family.
“The NRZ deeply regrets to confirm another fatality on our rail network today,” the rail company said in a statement.
The tragic death follows two similar rail-related fatalities on Monday — one in Mutare and another in Zvishavane. In response, the NRZ has issued urgent safety warnings urging pedestrians to stay alert around active railways and avoid using devices that impair their hearing or awareness.
“People should only cross tracks at designated pedestrian crossings and remember trains require a significant stopping distance,” the NRZ warned.
Authorities believe the headphones may have prevented the man from hearing the train’s warning signals. Investigations are ongoing, and officials are appealing to the public for any information that might assist the inquiry.
The NRZ extended condolences to the victim’s family and reminded all citizens that railway corridors are high-risk areas that demand constant caution and attention.
