Six people were killed and seven seriously injured when a freight train from Atlanta collided with a vehicle near Brits in the North West, a Transnet spokesperson said on Saturday.
The freight train, loaded with lime, collided with the vehicle as the driver attempted to cross the line at 7.15pm on Thursday, said spokesperson John Dludlu.
”There was a queue of vehicles waiting for the train to pass. The security vehicle jumped the queue and attempted to beat the train. It failed to do this, resulting in the collision,” said Dludlu.
All six died at the scene while the injured were taken to a local hospital.
Dludlu said the railway line was cleared and opened at 2:45am on Friday.
”The relevant authorities have been notified and are investigating. We wish to express our condolences to the bereaved families and wish those injured a speedy recovery.” – Sapa