It is with regret that the United National Transport Union (UNTU) has learned of a goods train that derailed near the Deville Wood Station in KwaZulu-Natal close to Cato Ridge.
According to our information heavy rain fell during the course of the night and caused a mud slide that effected the railway lines. The railway line is down the valley and above is a cliff with a tunnel and rocks hanging over it. Due to the heavy rains and wind the rocks fell on top of the railway line and closed it with sand and trees.
As the train came out of the tunnel it lost the track and derailed. The first locomotive hit the concrete base of the railway line and derailed with all three locomotives and seven container wagons. One of the wagons was carrying chemicals.
The Netcare 911 rescue team and the firemen had to travel down a gravel road and down the mountain, to cut away fallen trees, to get to the wreckage of the train. When they arrived they found that the male train driver and his female train assistant had passed on.
Mr. Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU, says the Unions sincere condolences goes out to the respective families in this difficult time.
This is the second time a tragedy has taken lives within two weeks. Mr. Alexander Flemming was killed when runaway locomotive collided with their train whilst waiting at a red signal.
UNTU requests Transnet to relook at their safety rules and regulations and if found lacking they need to fill the gaps. Taking note of the serious draught South Africa has experience over the last 18 months’ heavy rainfalls could cause more havoc to railway lines going forward. Weather forecasters are predicting an El Nina weather system that would make matters even worse, Mr. Harris says.
For enquiries please phone Mr. Harris on 082 566 5516.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens, Media and Liaison Officer. For UNTU Press Releases e-mail sonja@untu.co.za or phone 082 463 6806.
