Transnet suspends Blue Train following persisting issues
No Blue Train this Valentine’s Day as the train has suffered a fire and derailments over the few past months.
Transnet Freight Rail has temporarily suspended operations of its luxury Blue Train following two recent incidents in which it had derailed and was set alight.
“As a precautionary measure, management decided to suspend operations while the train undergoes a thorough technical assessment,” Transnet spokesperson Ayanda Shezi said in a statement.
The train will only be back in service after the assessment.
The suspension of operations was effective as of Monday, February 14.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to guests who had booked upcoming trips on the train. We look forward to offering you our world-class service again soon,” Shezi said.
In a letter by Transnet on the decision to its stakeholders, the company said the employees of Blue Train would continue working at the offices until further notice.
Breakdown of recent issues on the Blue Train:
– On February 8: A coach caught fire in Koedoespoort, Pretoria. Transnet reported that the coach was taken to Koedoespoort for repairs after it was in a derailment last November. According to Shezi, three people were seen fleeing the scene. One person was apprehended by Transnet security personnel and handed over to the police.
– January 16: Two coaches derailed in the Salvokop Blue Train trainyard in Pretoria. There were no passengers on the train and no fatalities or injuries were reported. READ: Salvokop Blue Train derailment under investigation
– November 7, 2021: Blue Train reported a derailment at the Union Station Loop in Germiston. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Image: Karin Morrow / Twitter
The two derailments of the train often referred to as the “hotel-on-the-wheels” remain under investigation.
The Blue Train has been operating for over 70 years. The train has a route between Pretoria and Cape Town. It also travels to Limpopo province.
VIDEO:
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