Two trains torched at Germiston Station

More than 5 000 commuters were affected when two Metrorail trains were torched this morning in Germiston.

The two trains were set alight while they were stationery at Germiston Station on platform 3 and platform 8 at about 10am.

Another train headed for Springs was also torched. Only the seats were damaged. No injuries have been reported.

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) board chairperson Khanyisile Kweyama said the incident was unfortunate.

“It is unfortunate that individuals with ulterior motives continue to vandalize and destroy commuter trains as and when there are train delays. These acts of criminality are condemned in the strongest possible terms as they undermine efforts by PRASA to restore the commuter rail system. The more trains are burnt it reduces the capacity for Metrorail to accommodate more commuters and eventually leads to overcrowding.”

Shuttle services to assist commuters to complete their journey is as follows:

• The Daveyton train will be turning at Dunswart train station.
• Kwesine train turning at Kutalo train station.
• Springs train turning at Dunswart station.
• Leralla train turning at Elandsfontein train station.
• Pretoria train turning at Elandsfontein train station.
• Vereeniging train turning at Natalspruit train station.

Buses have been arranged to assist commuters to complete their trips.

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