Nine people were killed while 25 others were injured after a bus collided with a National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) train at a level crossing in Chiredzi on Tuesday morning.

In a statement, NRZ spokesperson Andrew Kunambura confirmed the accident, saying it occurred around 7am when a train travelling from Triangle to the NRZ Lundi siding crashed into a Masvingo-bound bus at a level crossing.

The bus was travelling from Chikombedzi.

Kunambura said preliminary investigations indicated that the bus driver failed to observe level crossing regulations, which require motorists to stop and check for approaching trains before proceeding.

“Unfortunately, nine passengers in the bus died on the spot. They include seven adults and two minors.

“Twenty-five passengers from the bus were taken to hospital where they are receiving treatment,” Kunambura said.

Emergency services, including the police, ambulances and the fire brigade, were swiftly deployed to the scene and were still conducting rescue operations at the time the statement was issued.

The railway operator urged motorists to strictly adhere to level crossing regulations to prevent avoidable accidents.

“We would also like to urge all motorists to strictly observe level crossing regulations to avoid loss of lives and injuries,” he added.

NRZ expressed its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.