/ 10 April 2011

Wreckage cleared from Pretoria train accident

The wreckage from a train accident in Tshwane in which scores of people were injured has been cleared, Metrorail said on Saturday.

“The technical team has worked tirelessly all through the night to clear train wreckage from the Mabopane line following yesterday’s accident when one train collided into the rear of another en route to Pretoria,” Metrorail said.

“The line has been cleared and restored. The line is now fully operational and trains are back to normal.”

One person died and scores were injured in the accident on Friday afternoon when two trains — travelling from Mabopane to Pretoria — collided between Akasiaboom and Winternest stations.

“We are devastated by the loss of our train driver and would like to offer our condolences to the family and co-workers,” said the operator’s Gauteng manager Tembela Kulu.

Counselling has been offered to those involved in the accident, as well as their families.

The cause of the accident was unknown, but authorities were investigating.

On arrival at the accident scene, Netcare 911 emergency workers found both coaches had derailed and two carriages had overturned.

Most of the 266 commuters sent to hospitals received immediate medical attention.

Most patients were discharged on Friday night and only four commuters were still under observation. It was anticipated that they would be discharged soon, the operator said.

Kulu said a detailed investigation into the accident was ongoing and the cost of damages “amounts to R18-million”. – Sapa