Latest News #231 - Zimbabwe
February 6, 2003

Train crash adds to Zimbabwe’s misery

HARARE, Zimbabwe — The Bible Society of Zimbabwe is taking a collaborative approach as it responds to a train crash in which at least 40 people were killed and around 60 others injured. This crash has brought further misery to a people already bearing the burden of political instability, drought and shortages of basic commodities.

The collision between a crowded passenger train and a goods train carrying inflammable material took place near the town of Dete on the line between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls on February 1. A fierce fire broke out after the impact, fuelled by containers of petrol which some of the 1,100 passengers were carrying to be sold on the black market. Eleven of the 13 coaches were destroyed.

It is believed that the crash, the latest in a series of similar incidents, was caused by faulty signalling equipment. Technical problems are becoming a growing burden for the National Railways of Zimbabwe as the shortage of hard currency prevents it from importing spare parts and maintenance equipment.

Rescue work is being co-ordinated by the Civil Protection Unit, with which the Bible Society is looking to co-operate in order to get appropriate Scriptures to the injured in hospital in Hwange. The severe fuel shortages make it impossible for Bible Society representatives to travel the long distance to Hwange themselves. However, working with the Civil Protection Unit and placing a “Special Message for You in Your Sorrow” advertisement in newspapers will ensure that the injured and their families are reached with words of comfort and encouragement.