JOHANNESBURG – Nineteen empty coaches of one of the luxurious Blue Trains derailed at Union Station Loop in Germiston in the early hours of today.
In a statement, Transnet Freight Rail’s Sibu Majozi confirmed there were no passengers on board.
“This was a staged (unmanned) train with no passengers on board. No injuries were reported on site. TFR will investigate the cause of the derailment and apply remedial action where necessary.
“The derailment, which occurred on a secluded line, does not affect other train movements.”
Transnet said a revised train schedule has been communicated to customers and the tourism market at large.
“An investigation is underway into the cause of the derailment. Any further updates will be provided in due course,” said Shezi.
East bound from Park Station has no track. It has been stripped completely. I shed a tear when I look at the way it was destroyed. This is treason.
— Jason Chauke (@mbiluyachekasi) November 8, 2021
…I refuse to believe that all these things are a coincidence. Last week or so, 1 of Transnet’s major pipelines blew up, a month or so back, the Richard’s bay port caught fire, now the blue train has derailed! 👀 pic.twitter.com/OtWDe3C60T
— Phobla (@MphoMfolo) November 8, 2021