Fri, 25 Aug 2017 12:49:14 +0000
By Bennie Mundando
THE derailing of the passenger train 201 which left one person dead and two injured could be an act of sabotage by some people because preliminary investigations have revealed that the accident was caused by missing railway components, Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) has said.
ZRL public relations manager Caristo Chitamfya described the incident as unfortunate and that more lives could have been lost but for the quick action and professionalism exhibited by the ZRL crew saved the situation from worsening.
Mr. Chitamfya said preliminary investigations had established that the train derailed because railway components such as fish bolts and fish plates which hold the rail together had been removed, thereby causing both the baggage and genset vans to fall on their sides.
“ZRL is saddened by suspected acts of sabotage that occurred at 11:45 hrs this morning (on Wednesday) between Mazabuka and Magoye in Southern Province causing one death and two injuries.
“Our report after initial investigations indicate that the passenger train 201 from Kitwe to Livingstone derailed at Magoye due to missing railway components known as fish bolts and fish plates that are used for joining the rail, causing both the baggage and genset vans to fall on their sides.
“We, therefore, wish to urge the general public to be on the lookout for any suspicious activities on the railway infrastructure and report suspects to the nearest police station or Zambia Railways offices,” Mr. Chitamfya said.
He said after the accident, the passenger train was allowed to proceed to Livingstone while the recovery equipment had been sent to the accident scene to clear the wreckage which could be completed in 72 hours.
He assured the public that ZRL will endeavour to maintain the passenger train as the safest mode of transport as its accident incidences had remained the least in the sector.
He urged the public to be on the lookout for people who were vandalizing the railway line as the company was losing colossal amounts of money in repair and replacement costs.
“Such acts of vandalism and sabotage cause Zambia Railways to incur colossal sums of money in repair and replacement costs. Zambia Railways Limited further wishes to commend the crew on duty for saving hundreds of lives through their quick action,” Mr Chitamfya said.
