Families were frantically searching for loved ones following the devastating train crash that happened on Monday in Tembisa.
One local told the Tembisan, “I was phoning my sister but she could not talk to me because she had sustained injuries and was being treated by paramedics.”
One train commuter was killed and according to various emergency services, about 240 had sustained minor to major injuries.
The SAPS provincial spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini, has since confirmed a case of culpable homicide has been opened.
“On October 24 at 12.50pm, Metrorail train number 1851 travelling from Tembisa to Elandsfontein collided head-on with train number 1848 between the Kaalfontein and Tembisa stations,” Gauteng Metrorail spokesperson Ms Lillian Mofokeng said.
At the time she said they were waiting for a medical support team to release a report that will give an analysis of how much the injured were affected.
Trains travelling between Kaalfontein and Leralla were affected.
“Metrorail apologises for the inconvenience caused,” she said.
The preliminary findings have attributed human error as the cause of the accident, one train passed the signal at danger. The board of enquiry that has been instituted will conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident and the circumstances around it. Prasa is working closely with the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR),” said Ms Mofokeng.
“We will thereafter look into detail as to what caused the accident. We hope we will be able to assist and support the people medically.”
Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina has since passed his condolences on to the family of the man who died in the crash.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim of this train accident. We wish to also take this opportunity to wish the people who were injured in the crash a speedy recovery,” said Clr Masina.
“This is a sad incident indeed. We are extremely saddened and disturbed by the loss of life and the accident in general. Hopefully investigations will explain what transpired and such incidents are avoided going forward,” said the mayor.
“Metrorail is conducting an investigation and once that investigation has been concluded, the report will eventually be handed over to the director of public prosecution for decision,” said Lt Col Dlamini.
He said no arrests had been made as of yet.
