Rovos Rail Crew Injured in Head on Train Collision Near Gwanda

Four crew members were injured on Friday morning when a Rovos Rail luxury tourist train collided head-on with a cargo train near Gwanda. The crash occurred along the Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (BBR) line, a route managed by a private operator.

Rovos Rail confirmed that the train was en route to Victoria Falls with 47 passengers and 34 staff on board at the time of the collision. While no guests were harmed, four staff members sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

All passengers disembarked safely in Bulawayo later that day, where they were accommodated overnight. They were flown to Victoria Falls the following day.

By Ruvarashe Gora

The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has condemned the incident, attributing it to negligence by BBR, the company responsible for the line.

“This incident highlights the urgent need for investment in modern rail safety systems,” said PAZ National Coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati. “We call on BBR and all private operators to revamp their signals, communication equipment, and ensure passengers are adequately insured.”

PAZ also urged the government to strengthen oversight of private railway operators, including the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), and to prioritize comprehensive infrastructure upgrades to improve safety and prevent future incidents.

Rovos Rail described the crash as the first serious incident in over two decades of operating on the BBR line.

“We sincerely regret this occurrence. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff is paramount,” the company said in a statement.

The two damaged locomotives and four coaches are expected to be returned to South Africa before the end of April. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.