Africa

Train hits buffaloes, driver dies
2006-09-11 08:47:28http://www.news24.com

Zimbabwean train driver has died after a train hit seven buffaloes, say reports.

Johannesburg - A Zimbabwean train driver died after a passenger train hit seven buffaloes at the weekend, said reports on Monday.
Its website said one passenger was injured after the Bulawayo-bound train derailed between Mubiya and Dibamombe, near Victoria Falls Siding on Saturday night.

Victoria Falls police commander Julius Nsingo confirmed the death of the co-driver. The derailment took place about 20:00.

He said: "The train hit a herd of buffaloes that had strayed into the railway line.

"One passenger was injured after she jumped from a coach while the train was still in motion. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Victoria Falls Hospital."

The co-driver apparently died after jumping off the locomotive, which hit him before running over the buffaloes. The train was carrying about 300 passengers.

After the accident, some passengers made small fires and were roasting the meat from the dead buffaloes, while others were stashing meat into their bags.

About two weeks ago, a passenger train and a goods train collided head-on near the same area, killing seven people and injuring several others.

News24/SAPA

Jeepers, makes one wonder which is more dangerous - buff or railway transportation in Zim!

quote:

Originally posted by Jaco Human:
After the accident, some passengers made small fires and were roasting the meat from the dead buffaloes, while others were stashing meat into their bags.

Nothin gets wasted in Africa

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:

quote:

Originally posted by Jaco Human:
After the accident, some passengers made small fires and were roasting the meat from the dead buffaloes, while others were stashing meat into their bags.

Nothin gets wasted in Africa

That is pretty damned resourceful. Now that's what I call making the best of bad situation.

7mm. guy

What was the vilosity of the train who said you need speed to have good results on buff, this shows that the weight of the projectile is more important

"One passenger was injured after she jumped from a coach while the train was still in motion. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Victoria Falls Hospital. The co-driver apparently died after jumping off the locomotive, which hit him before running over the buffaloes."


The article makes me wonder

1. Why did they jump out of a perfectly good train?
2. How did they enough warning to jump?
3. How did the "co-driver" get in front of the locomotive?

Bill Quimby

I have been curious about the same three points Bill Quimby brought up. I've spent the last day going thru photos of the area to see if there is anything unusual about it but there is not. Went by there almost daily for a month a couple of years ago hunting Ele's and Buffalo.

Depending on the locomotive, the co driver may have been standing on the platform at the front of the locomotive above the cowcatcher and tried to jump clear, but wound up sucked under the wheels and since some people like to ride on top of trains, that is maybe where the women passenger was when she jumped, then again this is all speculation on my part.

Elmer Keith would be proud to hear of that big and heavy train plowing through those tough buffs. Wonder what the SD of a train is?

quote:

Originally posted by wimpie:
What was the vilosity of the train who said you need speed to have good results on buff, this shows that the weight of the projectile is more important

NOW THAT'S FUNNY. I DON'T CARE WHO YOU ARE!!!


GS

Railkill is much better than roadkill! Doesnt have that aspalt taste!