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Wednesday 2 July 2014

Tourism Tram Rammed by Train, at least 12 injured

At least 12 tourists escaped with minor injuries in Victoria Falls yesterday after a National Railways of Zimbabwe goods train rammed a tram late in the afternoon.


Image source: The Chronicle

NRZ public relations manager Fanuel Masikati confirmed the accident, but said details were still sketchy. "Yes, there was a train accident in Victoria Falls," he said. "We are still to get more details from our man on the ground. As it stands we are yet to know where the goods train was coming from or if it is ours or not."

Victoria Falls mayor Mr Sifiso Mpofu said he arrived at the scene when the victims had been taken to a hospital in the resort town. "Twelve foreign tourists have escaped... with bruises," he said. "Their condition is stable."

Police in Victoria Falls confirmed the accident, but could not give more details.

Witnesses said the tram was hit by the goods train just as it was about to take off after picking up tourists for a tour. "It was around 5pm when the tram was hit by a goods train," said a witness who requested anonymity. "The guide who works for Victoria Falls Steam Train Company -- the company that runs the tram - jumped off when the accident looked imminent and escaped unhurt." The source said the injured were rushed to different health institutions in the resort town.

The open-sided tram is a modern built replica of a classic 1890s model and accommodates about 30 passengers. Once tourists are on board, the tram begins its gentle 20 minute ride down to the Victoria Falls Rainforest and on to the Victoria Falls Bridge.

The tram derailed last year but no tourists were injured. Tour operators suspect that a signals fault caused the accident.

Source: Tram hit by train in Victoria Falls, tourists injured - Bulawayo24 (02/07/14)
30 tourists injured in Vic Falls tram crash - The Chronicle (02/07/14)

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