In a harrowing incident this morning, fifteen students from Versatile College sustained !njuries when their school bus collided with a National Railways of Zimbabwe goods train near the Willowton Industrial area in Mutare.
The accident has sent shockwaves through the local community, as concerned parents, school staff, and authorities rush to respond to the crisis.
The collision occurred at approximately 7:30 AM, during the busy rush hour. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the school bus approaching the railway crossing as the goods train was simultaneously nearing the intersection.
Despite the train’s loud horn and the flashing warning signals, the bus seemed unable to stop in time, leading to the catastrophic impact.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.
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Ambulances, fire trucks, and police units arrived swiftly, with paramedics and rescue workers working frantically to extricate the injured students from the wreckage. The scene was chaotic, with debris scattered across the railway tracks and the crumpled school bus lying on its side.
Among the !njured were students ranging in age from 12 to 18 years old.
They were quickly transported to Mutare Provincial Hospital, where medical teams were on standby to provide urgent care.
Initial reports from the hospital indicate that the !njuries varied in severity, with some students sustaining fractures, cuts, and bru!ses, while others were in more critical condition.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe has issued a statement expressing their deep concern and commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
The railway company emphasised the importance of railway safety and the need for stringent adherence to crossing protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Versatile College has also released a statement, extending their sympathies to the affected students and their families.
The school has suspended classes for the day and set up a crisis response team to provide support and counseling services to students, parents, and staff members traumatised by the incident.
Parents of the !njured students have been gathering at the hospital, anxiously awaiting updates on their children’s conditions.
Many expressed their distress and called for improved safety measures at railway crossings, particularly those near schools and residential areas.
Local authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
Preliminary findings suggest that a combination of factors, including possible human error and mechanical issues, may have contributed to the collision.
The investigation aims to determine whether the school bus driver adhered to safety protocols and if any technical malfunctions occurred in the train or the bus.
Community leaders and government officials have also weighed in, calling for immediate action to enhance the safety of school transportation. Proposals include installing additional safety barriers at railway crossings, implementing advanced warning systems, and conducting regular safety drills for school bus drivers and students.
See pictures of the accident below
