A train driver and his assistant died and two people were severely injured in a head-on collision between two Transnet Freight Rail trains at the Matlabas crossing between Thabazimbi and Lephalale in Limpopo Province yesterday.
According to a TFR spokesman, a train with100 loaded coal wagons collided in the loop with a stationary train carrying 89 empty wagons.
“The extent of damage to infrastructure is still to be determined but what is known at this stage is that the empty train set had two burnt-out locomotives and one derailed on its side. The line is closed and there is no estimated time of reopening at this stage but recovery teams are on site to clear the scene and carry out repairs to damaged infrastructure,” the spokesman said.
“Engineers and senior management are on the scene and a line investigation will be conducted to determine initial causes of the accident. Within seven days a Board of Inquiry (BOI) will be set up, chaired by an independent arbiter.”
