Reports and images of a Transnet freight train derailment between Lydenburg and the Dullstroom/Belfast area have been circulating widely.

Lowvelder reports the images, shared on various Facebook and WhatsApp groups in the region, show the train lying on its side after leaving the track. The train was reportedly carrying tonnes of iron ore and was believed to be en route to the Port of Maputo.

According to available information, the incident occurred late on Saturday, but details remain limited. It is said the train derailed near Santa, a small railroad station in the Nkangala District Municipality, between Lydenburg and Dullstroom/Belfast.

In the photos, the train appears to have gone off the rails while nearing a turn.

The railway line where the incident allegedly occurred is primarily used for transporting bulk freight from mines and smelters in the Lydenburg/Steelpoort area to the Port of Maputo in Mozambique. Known as the Maputo Corridor, it is a major import and export route connecting South Africa’s northeastern provinces with Mozambique’s capital and main port.

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

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

Steelburger/Lydenburg News sent queries to Transnet Freight Rail about the incident. The company acknowledged receipt of the enquiry but declined to confirm any incidents over the phone, instructing the publication to send an email instead.

It remains uncertain whether the incident occurred or if it is part of an elaborate hoax.

Sergeant Cave Dilebo of the Lydenburg SAPS said train derailments are rarely reported unless there are serious injuries or fatalities, and he confirmed that the police have no information on the matter.

Transnet’s response is awaited.

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