Call for urgent rail safety overhaul after Paarl train derailment – DA – POLITICS

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned by the railway incident that occurred in Paarl last night in the Western Cape.

Early this morning the DA Spokesperson on Transport Dr Chris Hunsinger MP and Deputy Spokesperson Thamsanqa Mabhena MP visited the crash site and received a briefing from Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) Regional Manager and the Rail Incident Commander from Transnet.

As much as we are saddened about the incident, we are comforted that no fatalities were reported and that of the 25 injuries only a few are seriously injured and are being treated at 3 hospitals.

We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to emergency services for their rapid response and ensuring that no lives were lost. We also commend teams from both PRASA, Transnet and Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) for working throughout the night to recover the scene.