Man crushed by train while crossing railway wearing noise-cancelling headphones

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - A man in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe died after being hit by a moving train near the city’s central station on Tuesday, July 1. 

The victim was reportedly crossing the railway tracks while wearing noise-cancelling headphones, which may have prevented him from hearing the approaching train, authorities said. This incident marks the third fatal railway accident in the region within 48 hours.

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) said the accident occurred around 12:55 PM and emergency responders are working to identify the victim and notify next of kin. An NRZ statement read, “The NRZ deeply regrets to confirm another fatality on our rail network today.”

The recent death follows two similar incidents in Mutare and Zvishavane on Monday, both resulting in fatalities. The NRZ has issued urgent safety warnings, stressing the importance of vigilance near active rail lines and advising pedestrians to avoid using headphones or mobile devices that impair hearing.

“People should only cross tracks at designated pedestrian crossings and remember trains require a significant stopping distance,” the NRZ cautioned.

Local police and railway officials have launched investigations into the circumstances of the accident and are appealing for anyone with relevant information to come forward. The NRZ extended condolences to the victim’s family and reminded the public that railway corridors require extreme caution at all times.