Train Crash Site Cleared as Mozambique Starts Three Days of Mourning

May 27, 2002 - 0:0
MAPUTO -- Rescue workers have recovered all the dead and injured from the site of the Mozambique train crash that killed at least 195 and left 166 wounded, AFP quoted the transport minister as saying on Sunday.

"The site has now completely cleared leaving the line in business again," said Tomas Salomao, who led the rescue operation following the accident Saturday at Pessene, in Moamba district, 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of the capital Maputo.

Salomao, speaking on state radio, said that a final casualty toll would be released later Sunday.

The government declared three days of mourning beginning Sunday, with flags flying at half-mast.

The cause of the accident is not yet known but preliminary findings by government investigators indicated human error.

Hospitals are still scrambling to find doctors and blood supplies with many of the wounded are in critical condition.

Salamao said the immediate priorities were to save lives and assist the families of the dead in identifying and burying their loved ones.

Both President Joaquim Chissano and opposition Leader Afonso Dhlakama visited the wounded in hospital Saturday.

The train was headed from Ressano Garcia, on the border with South Africa, to Maputo carrying mostly women traders.