18 die ‘as truck driver tries to beat Shosholoza Meyl at train crossing’

THE number of deaths following a collision between a train, a truck and a light motor vehicle between Hennenman and Kroonstad in the Free State yesterday morning has risen to 18, confirmed Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) acting chief executive Mthuthuzeli Swartz.

Transport Minister Joe Maswangayi, together with Sam Mashinini, MEC for police, roads and transport in the Free State, visited the scene where the Shosholoza Meyl Train 37012 derailed at the Jeneva level crossing between Henneman and Kroonstad.

The train had been travelling from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg when the incident occurred about 9am yesterday.

According to a statement from Maswanganyi, preliminary investigations indicate that the derailment was caused by the truck, which apparently crossed the level crossing as the train approached.

“Investigations indicate that the power car caught fire, which crossed over to the next coach,” the minister said.

“The damage caused by the derailment affected seven coaches, one of which was a power car, which helps in the generation of power in the train.”

It was alleged that the truck driver crossed the railway line without stopping, causing the crash.

“The driver was taken to hospital and some tests will be done to determine whether he was under the influence of some substance.

“We cannot confirm what actions will be taken at this moment because clearly the authorities are still investigating the matter, however, something must be done,” Maswangayi said at the scene.

Swartz sent his condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured.

Swartz said it would take a minimum of 36 hours to clear the wreckage and that the track would be closed to other trains until the situation had been resolved.

“The truck driver was actually trying to beat the train… six coaches derailed after the train collided with the second container of the truck,” said Swartz.

He added that he would never say Prasa’s efforts to assist the families affected were enough for the damage that has been done by human failure.

“We have ongoing assistance to the families whose members have been involved in the accident. Counselling services are always put in place for the families involved in such instances. The severely injured passengers have been transported to private hospitals and those with moderate injuries have been taken to public hospitals.”

Meanwhile, the United National Transport Union (Untu) said it condemned in the strongest possible terms the Free State train crash. According to Steve Harris, Untu genera secretary, one could only be furious at those arrogant drivers who ignored crucial road signals indicating a train crossing. The basic road safety rules were clear that motorists and truck drivers should always stop at a train crossing.

“This is something that happens daily at all railway crossings across the country. Drivers are simply not cautious that a train might be approaching.

“A passenger rail train at its highest speed will be travelling at 90km/h.

“By the time the driver sees a vehicle obstructing the railway line and starts applying its emergency brakes , it will only be able to come to a complete standstill between 500 metres and 1km.

“There is no way that the train driver will be able to prevent a collision,” said Harris.