Following this weekend’s derailment on the coal track near Vryheid in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South African logistics utility Transnet has said it’s working around the clock to clear the balance of wagons so repair work can commence on the line.
The loaded export train of 208 wagons was on its way to Richards Bay when it derailed at Dassieshoogte, resulting in 30 wagons coming off the track.
In a statement sent out late yesterday afternoon, Transnet said no injuries had been sustained in Saturday’s accident which occurred at 12:26.
It was only the second derailment in the same area since 2009 – “a long clean record of operation”, the state-owned company said.
It added though that this was the second significant derailment on the coal line since the beginning of the financial year.
“Though the frequency is not high, these derailments have severe consequences for South Africa’s coal value chain, our customers, Transnet, and the country’s economy at large.”
The service has been partially reinstated with line two being opened at 15:00 on Sunday, with a speed restriction.
Transnet said that for the next few days it would operate a single line for approximately 11km.
