Reports and images of a Transnet freight train that had derailed between Lydenburg and the Dullstroom/Belfast area have been going viral.

The images surfaced on various Facebook and WhatsApp groups in the region. They show the train lying on the side of the railroad after it had left the track. The train was carrying tonnes of iron ore and is believed to have been headed for the Port of Maputo.

According to information received, the incident occurred late Saturday night, March 1, but information regarding the derailment is limited. It is said the train went off the track near Santa, a small railroad station located in the Nkangala District Municipality, between Lydenburg and Dullstroom/Belfast.

In the photos it is clear the train went off the rails as it was nearing a turn on the track.

The railway line where the incident occurred is primarily used for transporting bulk freight from mines and smelters in the Lydenburg/Steelpoort area to the Port of Maputo in Mozambique. This route is also known as the Maputo Corridor. It is a major import and export route that connects the northeast provinces of South Africa with the capital and main port of Mozambique.

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According to www.sarpn.org, this railway also serves the South African provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng (to a lesser extent), as well as the Kingdom of eSwatini and southwest Mozambique.

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The corridor runs through some of the most industrialised and productive regions of southern Africa, including mining and agricultural areas and large concentrations of manufacturing, processing and smelting industries.

Steelburger/Lydenburg News sent queries to Transnet Freight Rail about the incident. It acknowledged the receipt of the enquiry, but did not want to confirm any accidents over the phone and instructed this publication to send an email instead.

At the moment it is not certain whether the incident occurred or if it is part of an elaborate hoax.

Sergeant Cave Dilebo of the Lydenburg SAPS said such accidents (train derailments) are rarely reported unless there are serious injuries or death, and he confirmed that the police does not have any information regarding the incident.

More information regarding the derailment will be made available when Transnet provides feedback on the matter.