Two people were killed and others were critically injured when a Rovos Rail Pride of Africa train derailed at the Bosman Street railway station in Pretoria on Wednesday, paramedics said.
“The whole train derailed,” said Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha.
“Some of the coaches are lying on top of each other. Rescuers had to cut holes in the roofs to get the passengers out”
There were 55 people on board at the time of the derailment.
Botha said emergency services from Pretoria, private ambulance services and paramedics were at the scene. People were still being rescued from the wreckage.
The injured already removed from the wreckage had been taken to a local hospital.
Johan Pieterse, Tshwane emergency services spokesperson, said 25 patients had been rushed to hospitals in the area.
“We have two women confirmed dead at this stage,” he told the Mail & Guardian.
It wasn’t clear what caused the luxury train’s accident.
“There is a full rescue team on the scene and we’re dealing with this as quickly and professionally as possible,” said Pieterse.