A passenger rail derailed in Paarl on Tuesday. Pictures: Facebook/ Drakenstein Farm Watch
About 35 people were injured and others trapped on Tuesday evening when a passenger train en route to Wellington derailed at Dal Josafat station in Paarl, in the Western Cape.
Bystanders watched in shock as the Drakenstein Disaster Management Team were on the ground performing rescue operations in the aftermath of the incident.
According to private fire responders in the Western Cape, the Drakenstein Farm Watch (DFW), a request for urgent assistance was received at 6.41pm with multiple emergency groups responding to the call.
In a Facebook update, the DWV revealed that no fatalities have been reported and that rescuers were able to free the injured who were trapped.
The cause of the derailment is still unknown at this stage.
In a late-night statement, Metrorail Western Cape said the injured were taken by ambulance to various hospitals in the area for further medical care. Their injuries ranged from mild to serious.
“Other passengers onboard were transported home. At this stage, Prasa and TFR [Transnet Freight Rail] are investigating the incident. Prasa has reported it to the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), which is in line with existing protocols.”
Metrorail further announced the train service from Wellington to Kraaifontein has been suspended due to the derailment.
Commuters in the affected area are advised to make own alternative transport arrangements.
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