Trains take a long time to stop - even when the train driver slams on the brakes, a loaded train can take more than a kilometre and a half to stop.
A 14-year-old girl tragically died after she was hit by a train at the Compensation railway station in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, this morning, North Coast Courier reports.
The girl was reportedly walking to school when she crossed the railwayline.
A pedestrian level crossing.
Netcare911 spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said they found the girl in a critical condition.
“She was stabilised and taken to a nearby hospital. Sadly, the girl succumbed to her injuries at the hospital’s trauma unit.”
Umhlai police spokesperson Vinny Pillay said they were still investigating exactly what happened.
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“We caution all people, most especially children walking to school, to not risk taking shortcuts over the railwayline,” he said.
It is dangerous and illegal to cross the railway anywhere except at a pedestrian level crossing.
However, even at a designated crossing, pedestrians are urged to remain vigilant and obey the rules of the road.
According to Arrive Alive, train drivers are at every incident heavily traumatised since they are helpless and unable to stop the train in time.
The toll-free number to report defects, stuck vehicles and incidents at level crossings is: 080 111 2239.
– Caxton News Service
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