Johannesburg – Rovos Rail Tours has confirmed that its luxury train collided with a goods train in Zimbabwe on Good Friday and revealed that none of the 47 passengers were injured.
Commenting on the collision for the first time on Saturday, (19 April 2025), Rovos Rail Tours spokesperson Liezl Maclean said: “On Friday 18 April 2025 at 06:30, the Rovos Rail train en route to Victoria Falls had a head-on collision with a cargo train near Gwanda in Zimbabwe”.
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Maclean added: “This occurred on the BBR line (Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway). The cause of the accident is being investigated.
“We had 47 guests and 34 staff members on board.
“No injuries were sustained by our guests.
“Four staff members are receiving medical attention and are expected to recover in the next two weeks.”
At 12.30 on Friday, all guests disembarked the train and were transferred to a hotel in Bulawayo.
On Saturday 19 April, they were flown from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls where we arranged accommodation.
The two Rovos Rail locomotives and four damaged coaches will be returned to our headquarters in South Africa before the end of April.
During our 36 years of operation, Rovos Rail has continued to comply with all rail safety regulations.
“We have consistently travelled on the BBR line for over 20 years and have never had any serious incidents,” said Maclean.
“We pride ourselves on the experience we provide for our guests, which is underpinned by safety for all onboard.
“We sincerely regret this occurrence but, rest assured, the safety and well-being of our guests and staff is paramount.
“We are grateful for all your messages and thank you for your support during this time.”
