A male pedestrian in his late 30s was hit by a passenger train and sustained serious injuries after a suspected suicide attempt at the Taung level crossing in the North West Province on Monday evening.
Eyewitnesses allege that the pedestrian threw himself on the railway line and in the path of the oncoming train in an attempt to end his life at around 19h10. The injured pedestrian broke his leg and arm.
The incident delayed the Johannesburg bound train that was from Taung to Mafikeng for about 45 minutes due to darkness and drizzle causing traffic jam at the level crossing, the only entrance into Taung.
The injured pedestrian was treated by paramedics at the scene before being rushed to Taung Provincial Hospital for admission and further treatment. Police are trying to trace the man’s next of kin using his cellphone picked up from the accident scene.
North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa appeals to members of the public who are experiencing challenges in their lives to seek professional assistance and counselling and not to use the public transport system and public roads to end their lives.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Public Safety, North West Provincial Government
5 April 2010
