Trains were on a collision course

THE United National Transport Union (Untu) yesterday alleged that both drivers had been authorised to travel on the same track in opposite directions when their trains collided in Pretoria on Monday, leaving more than 200 passengers injured.

While it was still unclear what caused the collision along the Lynn Ross railway line, the union said: “What we do know is that the operating method was abnormal, both train drivers were authorised by their train conform officers to continue on the route.”

Steve Harris, the general secretary of Untu, said one train was travelling from De Wildt to Pretoria while the other was travelling between Rosslyn and Medusa stations.

On Monday, Metrorail Gauteng spokesperson Lillian Mofokeng said more than 200 train commuters were injured in the crash that happened at around 6pm.

“They crashed because they were on the same track. The latest update is that at least 216 people have been injured and are receiving attention,” said Mofokeng.

Injuries

No fatalities were reported, although it’s believed that more than 20 people were seriously injured. Untu said the train drivers were among the seriously injured and were being treated at hospital.

Mofokeng said that by 10pm on Monday, all passengers from the two trains had been evacuated.

“We have since closed the entire corridor. All our trains between Pretoria and Ga-Rankuwa have been suspended until we have managed to clear the scene,” Mofokeng said.

“Our teams will now start to investigate the cause of the accident.”

A security guard, who identified himself as Mabaso, rushed to the scene.

He was relieved that the impact between the trains had been minimal.

“It’s difficult to actually see the physical impact but when you look closely, you will see where the two trains crashed,” he said. “To be honest, I was expecting the worst because trains have a lot of power and carry thousands of people. I rushed to the scene when it happened in an effort to help out.”