Goods train hits Lusaka mini bus
A mini-bus in Lusaka was yesterday morning hit by a Zambia Railways goods train at the Chipata Compound Level Crossing on Kasangula Road, chief e[ecutive officer &hristopher 0usonda confirmed
Mr Musonda said the accident happened at 05:40 hours when a privately owned Toyota Hiace minibus- Registration Number ABT 7428 was hit by a Ndolabound Zambia Railways Train No 128, carrying 20 wagons of coal from Batoka in the Southern Province to Ndola.
Investigations conducted by a combined Team of Zambia Railways 3olice and Traffic officers from Zambia Police, who rushed to the scene, revealed that the driver of the mini bus, who was joining the main road from a nearby filling station, overtook four other cars that had stopped to give way to the train, in a bid to beat the passing train.
In a statement Mr Musonda said a cautious and steady approach by the Zambia Railways crew saved the driver, identified as Troy µ’6hanta’’ %wanga (aged 40) of Marapodi Compound as he escaped unhurt while the vehicle he was driving was extensively damaged. The driver fled the scene shortly after the accident. The locomotive, which has since proceeded to the Copperbelt, had a cylinder break pipe damaged in the accident.
“Time and time again , we have cautioned motorists never to ignore rail crossing signals and understand that the train has the right of way , but we have seen some motorists continue to disregard our call with impunity,
“This incident could have led into loss of life and massive damage to Zambia Railways property had it not been for the quick and cautious action by the train crew,” said Mr Musonda
Mr. Musonda explained that the accident underscored the need for a more aggressive campaign to educate the public on road safety as well as rampant encroachments both of which are hampering the smooth running of Zambia Railways operations. Mr. Musonda said that Zambia Railways had engaged various stake holders to find a lasting solution to the problems of encroachments and rail-road safety in general.
The stake holders engaged so far include RTSA, RDA, Lusaka City Council, Ministry of Lands, and Zambia Police, among others.
In the recent past, Zambia Railways has experienced a number of similar accidents caused by non-adherence to basic rail safety rules by motorists.