Train goes up in flames at Germiston Station
DEMS responded to a train fire at Germiston Station on Tuesday.
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) firefighters from Germiston and Boksburg Central fire stations collectively battled the blaze engulfing a passenger train at Germiston Station, today (Tuesday).
The incident took place at about 9.30am.
“Upon the firefighters’ arrival, two carriages, one being the central engine cart of the train, were found to be burning wildly, with the fire spreading to the adjacent cart,” said William Ntladi, district manager media liaison for DEMS.
“The train was at the platform and there weren’t any commuters on the train.”
Active firefighting was initiated after the power supply was cut off for safety reasons.
A water supply was connected from a hydrant on one of the platforms within the station.
No casualties were recorded on scene due to the blaze.
The source of the fire is under investigation by Prasa officials.
Lillian Mofokeng, senior manager: marketing and communication for Gauteng Metrorail, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa said, “We are not sure who set the fire but suspect criminal elements.
“Train services are still affected at the station.”
Mofokeng added that the damage caused amounts to R6.5-million and there were no injuries reported due to the fire.
No arrests have been made as yet.
“We have just opened all other lines except Kwesine,” Mofokeng said.
“Electrical control has confirmed that platforms five, six, seven, eight, nine, and 10 are alive at Germiston Station and platforms three and four are still off and closed due to panto-hookup of 8806.
“Pretoria to JHB trains to run as normal, Leralla-EFT-JHB to run as normal, Springs-Johannesburg to run under pilot, working between East Rand and Germiston Central on the down main line.
“The Springs crew is currently demanding escorts on each train.
“The Germiston-Kwesine service is still affected by the closure of platforms three and four, as well as the pilot working between India and Union. Service will resume after the emergency occupation has been cancelled.
“The Daveyton-Dunswart service is to run a two set shuttle between Daveyton and Dunswart.”
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