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Commuter Train Accident

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Three people are believed to still be trapped inside a Shosholoza Meyl passenger train in Blaney, Eastern Cape, after it collided with a goods train around noon on Wednesday.

The cause of the collision, which occurred between East London and King William’s Town, was not yet clear and subject to investigation, Dynamic emergency medical services spokesperson Rudy Robson told News24.

More than 20 passengers had sustained minor to critical injuries during the crash and were treated on the scene before being transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment.

Both drivers were part of the group taken to hospital. One driver was critically injured and the other had sustained minor injuries, Robson said.

It was not immediately clear whether any children had been on board either of the trains.

No fatalities had been reported, Robson said.

The DA’s Marshall von Buchenroder has called for a full investigation by Transnet and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) into the accident saying; “The increase in the train accidents around the country is a matter of concern especially if such accidents are caused due to a lack of maintenance of commuter rail services. I will be writing to the chairperson of Eastern Cape Legislature’s portfolio committee on transport, Ntombizodwa Xhanti and Transport MEC Weziwe Tikana to request that Transnet and Prasa tables a report before the committee regarding the cause of today’s accident as well as the general state of rail infrastructure in the Eastern Cape.”

Emergency services cam in for praise from von Buchenroder who said; “We commend traffic officials, medical emergency personnel and the police for their speedy action in attending to the scene. We trust that the injured will have a speedy recovery.”

News24

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.