A case of reckless and negligent driving was opened at the Heidedal Police Station in Bloemfontein yesterday after Train 5267 swept aside two motor vehicles from the railway line near Witherow Avenue in Heidedal.

According to police spokesperson Thabo Covane it is alleged that a goods train transporting cement collided with the two sedans – a black Volkswagen Golf and a maroon Volkswagen Jetta V – at around 07:21 on Monday.

The black Golf allegedly got stuck on the middle of the railway line driving in Witherow Avenue in the direction of MacKenzie Street in the East End industrial area.

“The driver of the maroon Jetta attempted to overtake the stuck Golf but the train dragged both for some distance until they both fell on the side of the railway line. Both occupants of the black Golf, the 24-year-old driver and the 25-year-old passenger, abandoned the stuck motor vehicle by jumping out to safety on noticing the oncoming train.”

Covane says the 56-year-old driver of the maroon Jetta suffered injuries during the accident and was rushed to the hospital. “Both motor vehicles were seriously damaged by the impact.”

Investigation into the case continues.