‘Communication failure’ led to train derailment

THE FAILURE by Transnet to inform the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa ( Prasa) about a new train speed restriction led to the derailment of a passenger train in which 63 people were injured in Kimberley, Northern Cape, the Railway Safety Regulator said yesterday.

The regulator released the preliminary report into the accident that happened on August 18. According to the report, the derailment occurred on “cross over points” while the train was moving from the main line to a newly constructed line.

“On the day of the incident the team constructed the joggle joints from the mainline to the new line to divert the traffic. It was reported that the speed restriction of 30km/h was introduced at approximately 6.25pm. According to the information received the train driver was travelling at the speed of approximately 81km/h.”

“It appears that Transnet Freight Rail failed to communicate with Prasa about a newly introduced temporary speed restriction. The train driver failed to observe warning signs, which caused the derailment of 11 coaches and one locomotive.”

The Shosholoza Meyl train was reportedly one of the Spanish- manufactured Afro 4000 diesel locomotives purchased for R600 million by former Prasa CEO Lucky Montana, who was fired last month. There were claims that the locomotives were unsuitable for South Africa’s railway infrastructure.

Data downloaded from the locomotive, and used in the investigation, was in Spanish, the regulator said. The organisation said it would conduct a full independent inquiry into the incident. – ANA