Tanzania's SGR train derails at Ruvu, operations temporarily halted
Photos and videos shared widely on social media showed part of the train off the tracks near a signal pole, drawing immediate public attention.
A passenger train on Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line derailed on Thursday morning near Ruvu, moments after leaving Magufuli Station in Dar es Salaam.
The incident happened shortly after 8:00 am, according to the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), which operates the service.
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Photos and videos shared widely on social media showed part of the train off the tracks near a signal pole, drawing immediate public attention.
In a statement released, the TRC said three cars of the train derailed as it approached Ruvu Station from the commercial capital. There were no reported deaths, and the corporation did not indicate any injuries among passengers.
“Three cars of the train derailed at around 8:00 a.m. near Ruvu Station. We confirm there were no fatalities. Operations have been temporarily halted as investigations begin,” read the statement.
“A team of technical experts led by the Secretary for Transport, the TRC Managing Director, and security agencies has been dispatched to determine the cause and ensure normal operations resume as soon as possible. We regret any inconveniences caused.”
Train operations between Dar es Salaam and Ruvu were suspended immediately after the incident, with passengers advised to await further communication on resumption of service.
The SGR is a key part of Tanzania’s effort to modernise its railway infrastructure and strengthen regional trade links. The line is designed for both passenger and freight transport, with electric trains running at higher speeds than the older metre-gauge network.
According to TRC data, the SGR began partial operations earlier this year, offering passenger trips between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, and cargo services between Pugu and Ihumwa.
The project, which has been under construction since 2017, is financed through a combination of government funds and international loans, with construction carried out by Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi.
The cause of Thursday’s derailment has not yet been determined. Investigators are expected to review track conditions, train maintenance records, signalling systems, and other possible contributing factors such as weather or human error.
The TRC has assured the public that safety remains its top priority and that findings from the investigation will guide future safety measures.
“The corporation will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities to ensure the integrity of the railway network and prevent similar incidents,” the statement added.
In the past year, the SGR line has faced isolated disruptions. In 2024, services were briefly affected by electrical faults caused by animals interfering with power lines, according to reports by The Citizen newspaper.
For now, the section of track around Ruvu remains closed while engineers assess the damage and begin recovery operations. Passengers have been urged to monitor official TRC updates for information on service restoration.
The SGR project remains one of Tanzania’s largest transport investments, aimed at connecting the port city of Dar es Salaam with inland regions and neighbouring countries, including Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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