Heroes on the tracks: How Tanzania’s SGR cabin crew saved the day [VIDEO]
When the SGR train derailed near Ruvu on the 23rd October, the onboard cabin crew stepped up, proving the irrefutable importance of certified cabin crew in the train.
When news broke of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) accident between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, many feared the worst. A high-speed train derailed near Ruvu Station early in the morning, but by afternoon the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) confirmed what no one expected – not a single life was lost.
According to TRC’s official statement, “three cars of the train derailed at around 0800hrs on 23 October 2025 near Ruvu Station. We confirm there were no fatalities.”
This remarkable outcome was possible thanks to the swift, disciplined actions of the TCAA-certified cabin crew onboard.
Trained for the skies, tested on the tracks
The SGR cabin crew in Tanzania weren’t ordinary attendants. They were initially trained under the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), the same body responsible for certifying airline cabin crew.
Their training in safety drills, communication, and passenger management was instrumental in keeping calm onboard when chaos hit.
Their quick reaction was shaped by aviation-level discipline. Within seconds, the crew took control of the situation:
- They alerted passengers, secured aisles, and guided people to safe exits.
- They administered first aid to the injured while coordinating with emergency responders.
- They reassured travellers, preventing panic and ensuring orderly evacuation.
- They maintained communication with for safety updates.
- They checked every carriage to confirm all passengers were accounted for before authorities arrived.
A government decision that saved lives
When Tanzania introduced the SGR, the government made a deliberate choice to employ certified cabin crew who met every required aviation-grade standards.
It was a forward-thinking move, ensuring that the same precision found in aircraft safety could exist on the ground. These crew members undergo annual emergency training, including fire response, CPR, and passenger evacuation simulations.
That investment paid off. The same calm professionalism you see on Air Tanzania flights was mirrored on the EMU train that morning.
What cabin crew do – beyond serving tea and coffee
Whether on a plane or train, cabin crew share one common mission: To ensure the safety and security of passengers, fellow crew and respective transport means in question.
- In the air, they handle depressurisation, turbulence, and medical emergencies.
- On the ground, they manage derailments, mechanical faults, and evacuations.
Their voices guide us through panic, and their hands carry the weight of safety.
Cabin crew: The pride of a nation
Today, Tanzania celebrates not just an avoided tragedy but a victory of preparation. The crew who kept their heads high and hearts steady carried our flag with pride.
They reminded us that real heroes sometimes wear suits and lipstick, not capes.
Their quick action turned what could have been a national disaster into a story of hope and human excellence.
So, here’s to the certified cabin crew who protected every soul on board – Tanzania salutes you.