Update on Horizon View’s tragic train collision
The Railway Safety Regulator confirmed that both trains were authorised by Maraisburg Centralised Traffic Control before before Wednesday night's collision.
The chaotic scene that saw a PRASA long-distance train, Shosholoza Meyl, collide with a Transnet Freight Rail train at approximately 9.25pm on Wednesday, 12 February is currently being investigated by several entities.
Sadly one passenger, an elderly male, was confirmed dead on scene while the elderly woman he was travelling with was airlifted to Netcare Milpark Hospital. According to Shawn Herbst, Media Liaison Officer for Netcare 911, the last report the entity received said that the woman was in a stable condition.
Read the initial article here:
https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2020/02/13/watch-one-dead-horisons-tourist-train-nightmare/
The 31 passengers were predominantly tourists and foreign nationals, travelling from Cape Town to Johannesburg when then incident occurred.
“You take the train because you hear all the stories about what happens on the roads in South Africa, and then this happens,” said one of the passengers who did not want to be named.
Initial reports were that three other passengers were injured and subsequently taken to a hospital in Krugersdorp. A statement from the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) further reported that eight passengers had sustained minor injuries.
At approximately 11.30am on 13 February, RSR returned to the scene to continue with their preliminary investigations.
Allegations were being passed around that the Transnet train was at the wrong station. PRASA was asked for comment, but declined and said they did not want to speculate.
RSR confirmed that both trains were authorised by Maraisburg Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) before the passenger train crashed into the back of the goods train.
“Furthermore, manual authorisation is currently being used as the working method for controlling train movement in this section,” said Madelein Williams, RSR Executive: Media and Communications.
“RSR wishes to convey its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the passenger who lost his life,” said Williams.
She finished off her statement by saying, “The Regulator wishes all the injured a speedy recovery”.
An update can be expected from RSR within the next two days regarding the findings of its investigation. Readers will be kept informed when further information is received.
