Second Train Collision In A Week At Harare’s Chiremba Road Crossing Raises Safety Concerns

A vehicle was struck by a locomotive at the Chiremba Road level crossing early Friday morning in what has become the second accident at the same railway crossing within a week.

According to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), the collision occurred at approximately 5:25 AM. Authorities said no injuries were reported, although the vehicle sustained damage, including a shattered windscreen.

The NRZ described the recurring accidents at the crossing as deeply concerning, warning that some motorists continue ignoring road safety rules requiring drivers to give way to approaching trains.

“Drivers must give way to approaching trains,” the NRZ said in a statement issued after the incident.

Rail officials said the repeated crashes highlight growing negligence among road users at level crossings, particularly during early morning hours when visibility may be reduced. The latest incident comes barely a week after another vehicle was hit by a train at the same crossing, intensifying calls for stricter adherence to railway safety regulations.

The Chiremba Road crossing has now become a focus of public concern as residents and motorists question whether enough warning systems and enforcement measures are in place to prevent collisions. Road safety experts say railway crossing accidents are often caused by motorists attempting to beat approaching trains or failing to stop, look and listen before crossing tracks. Harare-based transport analyst Tawanda Murenje said repeated collisions at the same location should trigger urgent safety reviews.

“When accidents occur repeatedly at one crossing within a short period, authorities must assess whether visibility, signage, barriers or driver behaviour are contributing factors,” he said.

Commuters who regularly use the route say low visibility before sunrise, combined with driver impatience during rush-hour traffic buildup, may contribute to dangerous decisions at the crossing. One nearby resident said many motorists underestimate the speed and stopping distance of trains.

“Some drivers think they can cross before the train arrives, but trains move faster than people realise, especially early in the morning,” the resident said.

The NRZ has repeatedly warned motorists that locomotives require significantly longer stopping distances compared to ordinary vehicles, making it difficult for train operators to avoid collisions once a vehicle enters the tracks.

Transport safety advocates are now calling for increased public awareness campaigns around railway crossing safety, particularly in urban areas where vehicle congestion and commuter pressure are high. Some residents have also suggested the installation of additional warning lights, boom gates or traffic enforcement measures at high-risk crossings across Harare. Zimbabwe has recorded several train-related accidents over the years, with authorities frequently attributing many incidents to human error and failure to observe railway regulations. As investigations into Friday’s collision continue, the NRZ says motorists must remain vigilant and fully comply with traffic rules at all level crossings to prevent avoidable accidents.

Chiremba Road train accident