Dozens hurt in train accident
Dozens of train passengers were injured in a train accident in Soshanguve at the weekend.
A total of 55 passengers were injured when a speeding train smashed into a stationary one in Soshanguve on Saturday night.
Passengers were flung out of the two trains, most of them sustaining minor and others severe injuries. Others were treated for shock.
Metrorail spokesperson Lillian Mofokeng said the first train had stopped for a red signal before the second one hit it from behind at a high speed.
This happened just after Kopanong Station near Soshanguve at around 8pm on Saturday. Both trains were travelling towards town.
“Some of the patients who sustained minor injuries were treated at the scene and released, while others were taken to various hospitals around Pretoria. Some of them were discharged the next day and others were reported to be stable but improving,” said Mofokeng.
“About 15 people are still under observation and it is anticipated that they will be discharged soon with the exception of two commuters who are still critical.”
Metrorail offered its sympathy to the injured commuters and their families, saying the safety of commuters was of paramount importance.
“The incident is regrettable and one in our view is too many. We have prioritised giving care to the commuters and employees that were on the train. The cause of the accident is not known at this moment, a board of inquiry will be instituted to investigate,” said Mofokeng.
“Metrorail’s technical team is working tirelessly to ensure the train service is restored to ensure that the upcoming peak does not suffer any impact. Two lines are now operational to provide the afternoon service.”
Spokesperson for George Mukhari Mukhari hospital, Zwide Ndwandwe confirmed that 22 train accident victims were admitted to the hospital.
“All of them had suffered minor injuries. They were treated and discharged the next day,” he said.
Some of the injured were taken to Steve Biko hospital as well as Tshwane District hospital.
Speaking to Rekord after being discharged from Tshwane District hospital on Sunday, one of the injured, Pule Mothapo (27) said he was planning to seek compensation from Metrorail.
Mothapo said he was among about 40 other passengers sitting in a train that had been stopped by the red signal when the accident happened.
“A high speeding train came from behind. It was hooting, there was panic, there were screams, and we heard bang… and we were thrown out,” he explained.
He said he was on his way to Pretoria West where he had just started a new job as a security guard.
“It had only been two days since I started, now I lost my job. I have to start looking for another job. I have been discharged, but I am still in pain. The doctor said I sustained severe injuries to my head, left hand, and also internal injuries. Where am I going to get another job?”
“He said Metrorail should take responsibility.”
“Someone was probably sleeping on duty. It is either nobody made that call or somebody made that call and nobody answered that call. It is not possible that Metrorail would not have known that two trains were travelling on the same line.”
Metrorail said a train surfer was electrocuted and died near Soshanguve train station an hour before the accident.
“The possibility of the electrocution affecting signals could not be ruled out,” said Mofokeng.
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