Several people were reportedly injured after a train derailed near Paarl outside Cape Town on Tuesday night, 17 September. Photo by Misheck Makora
SEVERAL people are reportedly injured after a train derailed near Paarl outside Cape Town on Tuesday evening, 17 September.
The train was coming from Cape Town to Wellington when it derailed close to Dal Josafat at about 6pm.
Metrorail confirmed that trains have been cancelled on the railway where the incident occurred.
“The train service from Wellington to Kraaifontein has been suspended due to T3509, which had a derailment of a single carriage at Dal Josafat. Commuters are advised to make their own alternative transport arrangements in the affected area,” Metrorail said on its social media page.
This was followed by a statement from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) spokeswoman Zino Mihi, who said 25 people have been injured.
“It’s reported that 25 passengers were injured and taken to various hospitals in the area by ambulances for further medical care. There are no fatalities reported. Other passengers who were onboard were transported home. At this point, the incident’s under investigation,” said Mihi.
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She said the incident has been reported to the Railway Safety Regulator in terms of the law.
“Our thoughts are with the passengers affected by the incident, and we wish those injured a swift and full recovery,” Mihi said.
A commuter who was on the train that crashed told Daily Sun that he heard some screechy sounds followed by a huge bang and the train shook before coming to a standstill.
“I was not in the coach that overturned; the one I was in was not affected much. I went outside running while I was still in confusion and then I realised that we had an accident. People who were inside the coach that overturned were screaming for help,” said Anselem Mureza from Mbekweni.
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Misheck Makora
www.snl24.com
