Passengers on the Blue Train shivered with the rest of the country this week, News24 reported on Wednesday.
The supply of diesel for the one large generator that provides the luxury train with its power ran out on Monday night in the Karoo, just as the coldest weather this year moved into the area.
It is apparently the first time in the history of the luxury train that the diesel tanks, which hold thousands of litres, dried up on passengers.
Apparently the required documents were not signed on time, which resulted in the shortage of diesel.
The train’s diesel-driven internal generator is used to provide power, pump water and provide heating, and the luckless passengers, including many international visitors, had to do without. The water pumps were also out of commission.
The train’s staff had also apparently tried to keep the reason for the lack of electricity from the passengers.
Some of the guests were upset when temperatures dropped, and the flow of air through the train stopped. The Blue Train’s windows are sealed.
Depending on seasonal demand, the suites on the luxury train, which runs between Pretoria and Cape Town, range from R11 000 per person sharing for the luxury double compartments to R10 000 for the slightly less luxurious deluxe option.
The Volksblad newspaper said the train’s staff obtained diesel in De Aar on Monday night. – Sapa