MWE Correspondent
A high-speed passenger train operating on Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) derailed early this morning near Ruvu Station in the Coastal Region while traveling from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. The incident, which occurred around 08:00 hours, caused major disruption to rail services along one of the country’s busiest rail corridors.
According to the state rail operator, the derailment was caused by an operational malfunction. Fortunately, all passengers were able to evacuate safely, and no fatalities have been reported. Several passengers sustained minor injuries, primarily bruises and shock, but no life-threatening conditions were noted. Authorities have immediately launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact causes and to ensure corrective measures are implemented before service resumes.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a sudden jolt as the train left the tracks, followed by carriages coming to an abrupt halt. “We felt a sharp movement, and then the train stopped,” said one passenger. “It was frightening, but the staff acted quickly to guide everyone to safety.” Social media posts circulating from travelers aboard the train show some of the carriages tilted and off the rails, though the main locomotive remained largely intact.
Also Read: Tanzania Women’s Groups Unite to Champion Equal Voice in Upcoming Election
The derailment has prompted the suspension of all train services between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma until further notice. Passengers have been advised to seek alternative transportation, and local bus operators report a sharp rise in demand as travelers turn to road transport. The disruption is expected to affect freight schedules as well, with operators rushing to reroute cargo via trucks to prevent delays in supply chains.
Experts say the incident highlights the challenges of operating high-speed rail systems, even with modern infrastructure. While the SGR has been hailed as a transformative project for Tanzania’s transport sector, this accident underscores the importance of strict adherence to maintenance protocols, safety checks, and operational vigilance.
The state rail operator has expressed regret for the disruption and emphasized its commitment to passenger safety. Officials assure the public that investigations will be transparent and that lessons learned will be used to strengthen the reliability of the network.
The SGR is a critical part of Tanzania’s efforts to modernize its transportation infrastructure and boost economic growth. Analysts note that while the project has facilitated faster passenger travel and efficient freight movement, incidents like this serve as reminders of the need for continuous monitoring and investment in safety standards.
