A train driver who was trapped in a train engine for several hours after a derailment on Monday morning between Groot Marico and Swartruggens in the North West has died.
Police spokesperson Inspector Erica Roos said the man was freed from the engine at about 10am. He was airlifted to a hospital in Pretoria, but died on the way.
The assistant driver, a woman, managed to escape with only minor injuries. She is being treated in a hospital in Zeerust.
The derailment happened at about 5am when 12 wagons of the freight train derailed on a bend. The cause of the accident is not yet known.
Roos said Spoornet and Transnet officials were on the scene on Monday afternoon to investigate the accident.
The train was on its way from Krugersdorp on the West Rand to Mafikeng.
Emergency workers battled for five hours to free the trapped train driver. He was eventually cut free with the Jaws of Life.
Spoornet spokesperson Molatwane Likethe said he was on his way to the scene and would only be able to comment once he had arrived. — Sapa