Minister of Transport, Dr. Bonginkosi Mzimande, statement on the Buttskop level crossing rail crash
The Minister of Transport, Dr. Blade Nzimande, extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the seven passengers who died on the scene when a Metrorail train collided with a bakkie at the Buttskop Level Crossing, in the Western Cape, yesterday, 27 April 2018.
According to the preliminary investigations, a bakkie was following a taxi on Frederick Road, parallel to the railway track approaching the Buttskop Level Crossing.
As the train was approaching the crossing, the taxi drove across and the bakkie followed the taxi, but was unfortunately hit by the train.
The Railway Safety Regulator inspectors swiftly moved into the scene to conduct preliminary investigations to establish the root cause of the crash.
“What is more distressing about this crash is that it happens on the day that South Africa is celebrating Freedom Day dedicated to President Nelson Mandela, under the theme “ the year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela – towards full realisation of our freedom through radical socio-economic transformation,” said Minister Nzimande.
Minister Nzimande called upon the Rail Safety Regulator ensure that it continues to works closely with the railway operators to further its information sharing sessions on railway safety operational standard and the enforcement of rail-road interface rules to ensure the safety of South Africans.
“This collaboration will also include work closely with provincial and local government to hold public railway safety campaigns, emphasised Minister Nzimande.
Minister Nzimande is grateful to the Rail Safety Regulator, the emergency services and the fire brigades for their swift response in assisting the injured by providing emergency rescue operations.
“Roads users are called upon to be circumspect when using our road or crossing the railway, as human era account for the majority of the crashes we have in South Africa, warned Minister Nzimande.
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