Another train smash

CAUSE MAY BE MANUAL SIGNALS: ELECTRONIC SYSTEM BEING UPGRADED

112 passengers are slightly injured and seven are seriously hurt. Crew to receive counselling.

and to ensure that standardised safety measure were observed at all times.

“We are doing so with a full appreciation that South Africans, in the majority, the poor and the working class, deserve an efficient, responsive, safe and cost-effective public transport system,” he said.

The trains were being authorised manually as a signalling system upgrade was under way, Goodman Matampi, acting provincial manager for Gauteng Metrorail, said.

Earlier, Metrorail said a total of 112 commuters, mostly without valid train tickets, sustained minor injuries .

Seven had serious but not critical injuries and were receiving medical attention at four local hospitals.

Metrorail train 9708, which was travelling from Faraday towards New Canada, collided head on with Naledi Jikeleza Train 9949 yesterday at about 7.10am.

Matampi said four of the train’s crew members were also receiving medical assessments and would receive psychological support.

Matampi said the cause of the accident was currently being investigated by a Metrorail team on the ground and detailed information would be released in due course.

A board of inquiry would be instituted to determine the root cause of the accident and Prasa would work closely with the Railway Safety Regulator in this regard.

Buses transported commuters with valid train tickets between New Canada and George Goch via Booysens stations.

The cost of the accident damage was not known at this stage.

Metrorail technical teams have already started to clear the scene of the accident. – ANA