Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR) recovery operation at the scene of the derailment of a train carrying coal for export on the parastatal’s North Corridor has been hampered by poor weather conditions.
TFR said in a statement that its recovery teams were still on site on Wednesday after the train was derailed en route to Richards Bay on Tuesday morning. It was derailed between Bloubank and Nhlazetshe stations, near Ulundi.
“Heavy rains overnight have hampered recovery operations, but the teams have embarked on site investigations and site preparations, while the specialised heavy-duty breakdown and recovery equipment is on its way to the site,” TFR said.
The rail utility added that it was still too early to provide an estimated time for the reopening of the two lines, as this would be determined once the site has been cleared and the extent of the damages assessed.
“The cause of the derailment will be investigated, and although it is too early to pre-empt the outcome, the derailment has taken place against a backdrop of threats and disruptions to the company’s operations by disgruntled groupings seeking business opportunities.
“These threats are being investigated by law enforcement agencies.”
It earlier said that it would be engaging with local leaders, Amakhosi and the police “in an effort to resolve threats to the organisation as well as disruptions to its operations” along the North Corridor over the past week.
“This initiative includes collaborating with various security agencies and government bodies to reduce incidents. Transnet is extremely concerned by the threats and disruptions to its operations, especially given that the company values collaboration with key stakeholders and strives to strengthen its relationship with stakeholders along the railway line through initiatives such as employment-creation and empowerment of businesses along the corridors,” TFR said.
The North Corridor runs from Mpumalanga coal fields to Richards Bay, with coal and chrome among the key commodities transported along the route.
