Transport Ministry's statement on train derailment in Kimberley
Transport Minister, Ms. Dipuo Peters has expresses shock and concern following the derailment of a Shosholoza Meyl long distance type train in Kimberley, Northern Cape on Tuesday, 18 August 2015.
Minister Peters has called on the Rail Safety Regulator (RSR) and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to work closely and speedily on the incident to determine the circumstances and causes that led to the derailment.
Information currently at the disposal of the Department indicates that the train was travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town when it derailed between Modderrivier and Heuningneskloof stations in the Northern Cape at around 23H20.
Train 71010 hauled by an 18 E electric locomotive departed from Johannesburg at 12h30, coupled to the AFRO 4010 diesel locomotive in Kimberley and continued with the journey at 21h20. The train and ten of its coaches derailed about 50 km south of Kimberley. Sixty passengers, the train driver, his assistant and technician were injured when the derailment occurred and have since been taken to hospitals around the Kimberley area. Minister Peters has sent her well wishes to the crew and passengers, wishing them speedy recovery and strength to their families.
Thus far, damage caused by the derailment has affected 300 metres of perway (track), sleepers and OHTE with four mast poles. The line remains closed while the scene is being cleared.
The RSR and PRASA inspection teams including their CEOs have been on site to conduct their initial investigations, and more information will be made available as the investigation continues.
Enquiries:
Mr Tiyani Rikhotso
Cell: 083 570 1275
