The Minister of Transport, Ms Dipuo Peters wishes a speedy recovery to the seven commuters who are undergoing checks and medical assessment following the two Metrorail trains which collided between Havenside and Merebank under the bridge, south of Durban, on Thursday afternoon, 23 June 2016.
Both the Metrotrail trains were going the opposite direction when the collision happened.
The preliminary indications point to human error from the Train Control Officer as the cause of the collision, as a result of both trains being admitted (allowed) to a single line.
“I can confirmed that the other line was closed due to routine maintenance and upgrade work taking place on the rail network” Minister Peters said.
The Minister further said at this stage of the investigations no technical fault is determined.
Hundred and twenty one (121) passengers including the two drivers and two Metrorail guards had minor injuries and were released from hospital after been cleared by the medical staff.
Seven other passengers are still being attended in various hospitals in and around Durban. The Prasa Risk Department is yet to determine further assistance to be provided to the affected commuters.
The Prasa Technical team was on- side doing repair work throughout the night and opened one rail-line by 4h00am this morning whilst the other line is anticipated to be opened at 14h00 pm this afternoon, subject to no further technical glitches.
The extent of the damages to the rolling stock (trains) is yet to be determined when a detailed assessment is completed by the end of business today, 24th June 2016.
Minister Peters confirms that a Joint Board of enquiry will be set up between Prasa and Transnet to investigate the root cause of the collision and it is at that point that a final report on the course of the collision will be fully determined.
Enquiries:
Mr Ishmael Mnisi
Cell: 072 566 0827
