A Transnet train carrying export coal to Richards Bay was derailed outside iNtshamanzi, near Ulundi, on Tuesday morning.
Transnet said in a statement that response teams had been dispatched to the site of the incident. “Customers have been notified of the incident. No injuries have been reported,” Transnet said.
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), without making an immediate direct connection to the derailment, announced late on Tuesday 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 this past week”.
“This initiative includes collaborating with various security agencies and government bodies to reduce incidents,” 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.
“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.
“Transnet today also reported that a train carrying export coal en route to Richards Bay derailed outside iNtshamanzi, near Ulundi. The cause of the incident is under investigation.”
