UPDATE: Denver Station train collision – Gauteng Metrorail statement
239 commuters and one train driver have been reportedly injured. One employee, a Train Guard suffered fatal injuries.
This morning just after 07:00, the Tshwane Business Express (TBE) 1602 collided into the rear of Metroplus 0600 at Denver Station, Johannesburg.
Both trains were enroute to Johannesburg from Pretoria Station. Train 0600 departs from Pretora Station at 06:00 and TBE 1602 departs from Pretoria Station at 06:15.
239 commuters and one train driver have been reportedly injured. 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 prioritized giving care to the commuters and employees that were on both trains. We would like to wish them a speedy recovery. Our sincere condolences to the family and Metrorail employees who lost their loved one in the accident,” said Mosenngwa Mofi, CEO of Prasa rail.
The cause of the accident is not yet known however we can confirm that train 1602 collided with 0600 from the rear-end. 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. 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 in the afternoon service. The technical team has started working on the affected site.
Management would like to thank the Emergency Services, SA Police Services, 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.
