Metrorail Gauteng has issued a statement regarding the train crash at the Denver Train Station, this morning.
Lillian Mofokeng, the Metrorail Gauteng spokesman, said that just after 7am this morning, the Tshwane Business Express (TBE) 1602 collided into the rear of Metroplus 0600 at the station.
Both trains were en-route to Johannesburg from Pretoria Station.
Train 0600 departs from Pretoria Station at 6am and TBE 1602 departs from Pretoria Station at 6.15am.
“239 commuters and one train driver have been reportedly injured,” said Mosenngwa Mofi, CEO of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).
“One employee, a train guard suffered fatal injuries.
“The injured have been taken to Milpark and Hillbrow hospitals, in Johannesburg.
“Of the injured, two commuters are reported to be critical, 25 suffered serious injuries, and 213 commuters suffered minor injuries, out of which 80 have been released from hospital.
“The incident is regrettable and one in our view is too many.
“We have prioritised giving care to the commuters and employees who were on both trains.
“We wish them a speedy recovery.
“Our sincere condolences go to the family and Metrorail employees who lost their loved one in the accident.”
The cause of the accident is not yet known, however, Mofi said that they can confirm that train 1602 collided with 0600 from the rear
“Due to the fact that there is no power in the affected area to allow train movement, all our trains from Germiston towards Johannesburg are terminating at Driehoek.
“Trains from Johannesburg going towards Germiston are terminating at George Goch,” said Mofi.
“Buses, as an alternative, are ferrying commuters between George Goch and Driehoek, to ensure that commuters continue with their train journeys.
“We are working very hard to ensure that we bring the train service back to normality and understand that this is going to have an impact on the afternoon service.
“The technical team has started working on the affected site.
“Management thanks the Emergency Services, SAPS, employees and commuters for their support and understanding during this difficult time.
“A board of enquiry will be instituted to investigate the root cause of the incident.”
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