A diesel-laden goods train travelling to Mozambique rolled out of control and crashed into a parked locomotive, sparking fears of a major disaster.
The incident occurred at Mpopoma Station in Bulawayo on Saturday morning.
The train, which was carrying about 450 000 litres of diesel, is reported to have been parked overnight after running out of fuel.
Bulawayo chief fire officer Mhlangano Moyo described the incident as disturbing.
“The train ran out of fuel and was left parked overnight. Unfortunately, it gained momentum after the brakes lost power and went straight into another parked locomotive, resulting in the accident,” he said.
He said the fire outbreak launched smoke into the morning sky, adding that firefighters battled the blaze for hours, working tirelessly through the night to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby fuel tanks.
Moyo said the crew was still on site yesterday, decanting the remaining diesel to prevent spillage and minimise the risk of a larger explosion.
“We are decanting the fuel and pushing the locomotives apart. The process is ongoing and will take some time. The team has been on the ground since yesterday,” he said.
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“There were no injuries or fatalities reported despite the potentially catastrophic situation. Investigations are being conducted to determine how the train’s brakes failed and to assess the extent of the damage, which is yet to be quantified.”
The incident has reignited concerns over railway safety and maintenance, especially on freight lines transporting highly flammable and hazardous materials across the country.
