Woman Hurt After Train Strikes Her While Wearing Earphones
A close call in Mutare saw a young woman narrowly escape severe injury when she was hit by a train. The incident highlights the dangers of walking on railway lines while distracted.
Near-Fatal Encounter on Tracks
A 23-year-old woman, identified as Lisa Shumba, is recovering after a harrowing incident on Saturday. She was walking along a railway track in Mutare, engrossed in music through her earphones, and was unaware of an approaching train.
Driver’s Quick Thinking Saves a Life
Officials from the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) reported that the train driver noticed Shumba was not responding to the locomotive’s horn. In a desperate effort to alert her, the driver threw a water bottle at her.
The unexpected impact startled Shumba, causing her to turn just as the train bore down on her. She managed to leap clear of the tracks, but was struck on the side by the locomotive, sustaining bruises to her knees. She received medical attention and has since been discharged from the hospital.
NRZ Praises Engineman, Issues Safety Warning
The NRZ commended the train driver for his “heroic act,” emphasizing his instinctual response to prevent a fatality. The state-owned rail operator reiterated its plea for the public to exercise caution.
“We salute the engineman and appeal to members of the public to avoid walking on railway lines, especially when putting on earphones.”
—NRZ Statement
This incident occurs amidst a rise in pedestrian-train accidents nationwide. Authorities are concerned by a growing disregard for rail safety, particularly among urban dwellers who use train tracks as shortcuts or listen to music while near active lines. In 2023, there were at least 22 pedestrian fatalities involving trains in the UK, with many incidents attributed to headphone use (Network Rail).
Intensified Safety Campaigns Planned
The NRZ plans to increase public awareness campaigns to promote rail safety. They urge everyone to be more vigilant when near railway infrastructure.
