A number of parents attending a primary school hocky tournament at Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg’s astro turf behind Middelburg Primary, grabbed for their phones when a train suddenly passed with sparks and flames flying from its undercarriage.

One parent told the Observer that the sparks and flames became worse with every metre the locomotive rolled ahead.

A few other parents called the fire brigade, who responded within minutes, the parent said.

“I’m sure the conductor has noticed the plumes of smoke by now,” the source said, crossing his fingers.

He said the fire brigade raced by, hoping to find the train.

The Transnet media desk has not responded to the Observer’s request for comment.