/ 27 January 2009

Coal wagons derail, exports not affected

Transnet said on Tuesday that 55 wagons of export coal derailed on Monday night, blocking the country’s coal lines, which link mines to the Richard’s Bay Coal Terminal.

Spokesperson Mike Asefovitz said that recovery teams were on site and that the line would reopen within 40 hours.

”This will have no impact on coal shipments as coal stockpiles at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal are high,” he told Reuters, adding that no injuries were reported.

An investigation into the cause of the accident, which happened in KwaZulu Natal, was under way, he said. — Reuters