Pretoria - Transport Minister Dipuo Peters on Friday confirmed that a joint board of enquiry between the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and Transnet will investigate the root cause of the collision of two Metrorail trains in Durban.
The trains collided between Havenside and Merebank under the bridge, south of Durban, on Thursday afternoon. Both trains were going in opposite directions when the collision happened.
Preliminary indications point to human error from the Train Control Officer as the cause of the collision, as a result of both trains being allowed on 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.
At this stage of the investigation, no technical fault has been determined.
The Minister wished a speedy recovery to the seven commuters, who are undergoing checks and medical assessment following the collision.
The Prasa Risk Department is yet to determine further assistance to be provided to the affected commuters.
One hundred and twenty-one passengers, including the two drivers and two Metrorail guards, had minor injuries and were released from hospital after being cleared by the medical staff.
The Prasa Technical Team was onsite doing repair work throughout the night and opened one rail line by 4am this morning, while the other line is anticipated to be opened at 2pm this afternoon, subject to no further technical glitches.
The extent of the damages to the trains is yet to be determined when a detailed assessment is completed by the end of business today. – SAnews.gov.za
