ESTCOURT: Call for alternate route after triple fatality near deadly Cornfields level crossing
While crew from the train were not injured, they were being treated for shock
A scene of death and destruction unfolded on the R103 near Cornfields last Thursday morning.
Two males (from Wembezi) and one female (from Bhekuzulu), two of whom were Health Department staff and all in their 30s, were instantly killed when the mobile clinic they were travelling in was struck by an oncoming train at about 10.40am.
Various emergency services rushed to the scene, but there were no lives to save, just wreckage to clear.
READ: Three dead after train and taxi collide
Ward Councillor Nyanda Mchunu, who was one of the first people at the scene, said he heard about the deadly accident from a taxi driver.
“When I got there, there were paramedics, police and firefighters. We were told to stay away from the scene. It was terrible – just very, very sad. I asked some of the other hospital workers what happened, but no one knew the exact cause of the accident,” said Cllr Mchunu.
He said it was a heartbreaking scene that prompted him to write a letter to Transnet, pleading for an alternative crossing to Cornfields.
“There have been about 11 accidents on this train track since 2016. We need to do something about this place; a Stop sign is not enough. I’ve asked Transnet to consider another option for turning into Cornfields, like a bridge so that we can avoid such incidents in future. When drivers are turning into Cornfields from Estcourt, it is difficult to see approaching vehicles,” explained Cllr Mchunu.
He added that a delegation of councillors would be visiting the family during the week.
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) spokesperson Mike Asefovitz said an investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident at the Frere/Chievely level crossing.
While crew from the train were not injured, Mr Asefovitz said they were being treated for shock.
“TFR’s executives have expressed sincere condolences to the family members and loved ones of those who passed away,” he added.
The company has also issued an advisory to all residents.
“TFR issues an appeal to the community to assist in eradicating these tragic incidents by obeying at all times the traffic laws governing rail level crossings. The law requires motorists to bring the motor vehicle to a complete standstill at the level crossing. A fully-laden goods train requires at least one kilometre to come to a standstill, and the train driver cannot, unlike a motorist, apply brakes and stop immediately or swerve out of the way,” said Mr Asefovitz.
Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said that Estcourt police were investigating a case of culpable homicide.
The Health Department had not responded to a media enquiry from the Estcourt News.
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