Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) is busy with recovery efforts after a derailment in which two coal trains collided in the early hours of Sunday at Elubana, outside Richards Bay on the KwaZulu Natal North Coast.
TFR said in a statement on Monday that teams had been dispatched to the scene immediately and recovery efforts had begun 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,” TFR said.
Initial reports allege that the collision occurred after a power outage in Richards Bay caused a train to stop at Elubana. A staff shift change then apparently failed to alert the incoming shift that there was a stopped train on the line.
“An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the accident,” TFR said.
TFR said it would provide further updates regarding the recovery in due course.
