63 injured in Shosholoza Meyl derailment
The Railway Safety Regulator said that 63 people were injured in the derailment of a PRASA Shosholoza Meyl long distance train‚ travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The train derailed between Modderrivier and Heuningneskloof stations in the Northern Cape on Tuesday night.“Sixty passengers‚ the train driver‚ his assistant and technician were injured in the derailment and have been taken to hospital‚” a statement said. “Train 71010 hauled by an 18 E electric locomotive departed Johannesburg at 12h30‚ coupled to the AFRO 4010 diesel locomotive in Kimberley and continued with the journey at 21h20.“The train and ten of its coaches derailed about 50km south of Kimberly.“Thus far‚ it is known that damage was caused to 300 metres of perway (track)‚ sleepers and OHTE with four mast poles. The line remains closed while the scene is being cleared.“The Railway Safety Regulator's inspectors are on site to conduct their investigation."More information will be made available as the investigation continues.”..
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