Cape Town – Transnet Freight Rail, a struggling state utility, is facing another setback after a significant train derailment in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning when two Transnet trains, carrying coal, collided near Richards Bay.
Initial reports suggest that one train rear-ended another, which was stationary due to a power outage.
KZN – #TrainCrash https://t.co/97RWx6hHIA pic.twitter.com/XCCy1bbOQh
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) January 15, 2024
The collision resulted in the loss of a significant amount of coal, and Transnet Freight Rail is working to clear the scene, EWN reported.
Insiders suggest the possibility of sabotage cannot be ruled out, the report said.
This setback follows a previous derailment in Ulundi in November 2022, costing the country R1 billion a day and taking weeks to repair, during which sabotage was also considered due to a prior dispute with a local business forum.
According to The Citizen, on Monday evening, Transnet Freight Rail acknowledged the incident, saying that efforts are underway to recover and restore operations after the train derailment.
“TFR teams were dispatched to the scene immediately and recovery efforts began in earnest. No serious injuries have been reported, and staff involved in the collision were sent for medical observation.
“Environmental teams are also at the scene to ensure compliance in the recovery and clean-up operations.
“An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident,” the report quoted TFR as saying.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
