Train smash disrupts exports to Zim

RAIL TRAFFIC between South Africa and Zimbabwe via Beit Bridge is expected to be disrupted for at least a month following the destruction of the rail bridge at Lilliput, south of Messina when two trucks carrying diesel fuel exploded while crossing it on Sunday.
The trucks were among 30 on a northbound train (20 containing diesel fuel), eight of which were derailed. Three of these were filled with fertiliser, which is considered hazardous cargo, but were not damaged in the accident.
The bridge was washed away in the Northern Province floods during February 2000, and was rebuilt in quick time by Spoornet engineers. The latest disaster is expected to affect northbound exports to Zimbabwe, though Spoornet is considering redirecting much of this traffic through Plumtree.
Currently, however, goods must be unloaded at
Louis Trichardt and move by road to Messina for onward connections.