Two Tazara drivers killed in locomotive derailment
What you need to know:
- The incident occurred at around 3:00am at Bridge No. 262, located at kilometre 885+500 in Mbozi District, Songwe Region, according to a statement issued by Tazara's Head of Public Relations, Mr Conrad Simuchile.
Dar es Salaam. Two drivers have died following a tragic accident involving two Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) locomotives, which derailed and capsized in the early hours of Monday, April 21.
The incident occurred at around 3:00am at Bridge No. 262, located at kilometre 885+500 in Mbozi District, Songwe Region, according to a statement issued by Tazara's Head of Public Relations, Mr Conrad Simuchile.
The locomotives, numbered 1016 and 1030, were not carrying cargo at the time of the accident.
They were en route from Chozi in Zambia to the Mbeya Workshop in Tanzania for repairs when the derailment occurred.
Emergency teams, including police and the fire brigade, responded quickly to the scene. However, both drivers were found to have died on the spot due to the impact of the derailment. The locomotives sustained severe damage.
“Tazara deeply regrets the loss of our two drivers,” the statement read. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Both governments and the respective families have been informed,” the statement reads in part.
It states that an investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway.
