Soweto rail cleared after train accident

Friday, May 20, 2011

Pretoria - Following the train collusion incident that involved two Soweto bound Metrorail trains yesterday, the technical team has cleared the scene by removing the two trains to the yard in preparation for the resumption of the normal train service today.

The accident happened after a Soweto bound Metrorail train carrying passengers collided from the back with a Soweto Business Express train that was standing faulty on the section between the Mzimhlope and Phomolong stations.

"We would like to confirm that the total final number of commuters injured is 857. Only three from this number have suffered serious injuries. All the injured commuters are receiving medical attention at different hospitals," said Metrorail spokesperson Tony Games.

"Metrorail would like to thank the Emergency Services and the medical team for attending to the injured including the SAPS team for assisting at the accident scene," he said.

Metrorail's technical team worked tirelessly through the night to clear the line for the safe train movement.

"An investigation will be conducted to establish the cause of the accident and the circumstances around it," confirmed the Acting Gauteng Provincial Manager, Douglas Chauke.

Customers using the Soweto Business Express 2 will be greatly affected as the train will be out of operation until further notice.

Customers are therefore requested to make alternative arrangements.

Metrorail wishes the three commuters who sustained serious injuries a speedy recovery including those who sustained minor injuries.