A luxury train operated by Rovos Rail derailed in Namibia on Sunday after recent heavy rains in the south of the country affected a bridge.
The train driver and a Namibian pilot (navigator) were killed. No other staff or passengers were hurt, the rail operator said.
The accident happened at 4.45am, at Naute, about 285km short of Ariamsvlei and the South African border. The train had been travelling southbound from Windhoek.
“The cause was a washaway of the last span of a bridge resulting in the loss of two locomotives and two utility coaches,” Rovos Rail said. “The automatic brake system stopped the train to prevent further damage.”
Railway track inspection after flooding is a critical safety procedure,
— Michael Muchiri (@Mouchieee) March 2, 2026
🚆
Check for Washouts, debris, and ballast instability, & weakened track before operations.
🚂 🚃
Namibia Rovos Rail from Windhoek, at Naute near Ariamsvlei South African border.
Safety First 🛟🦺🚑🤕🩹 https://t.co/6T5Eskk9kH
Buses were arranged to transport guests to Upington from where they would be flown to Cape Town.
TransNamib, Namibia’s national rail operator responsible for managing and operating the country’s rail network, said an investigation into the cause of the accident had been launched.
“We are cooperating fully with the authorities, and once finalised key stakeholders will be informed, and appropriate measures will be implemented to prevent any recurrence.”
TimesLIVE
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