SEBOKENG.- Late in the evening of October 28, a Transnet passenger train went off the tracks between Boiketlong informal settlement and Sebokeng Hospital.

“There was an operations occurrence last night, shortly before midnight in Houtheuwel, which resulted in the delay of Transnet’s Blue Train,” said Mike Asefovitz Spokesperson Transnet Freight Rail.

“The minor occurrence, which has now been sorted, delayed the luxury train by seven hours while locomotives were being switched, to allow the trip to continue safely and without further incidents. The extensive experience of the train crew that operates the Blue Train significantly mitigated the incident and at no stage was the crew, train staff or valued guests at any kind of risk.

The train is expected to run its full program, including honouring the off-train excursion in Kimberly to visit the famous Big Hole. Whereas the minor issue that delayed the train was solved, Transnet Freight Rail is conducting further investigations, to ensure that no other trains are affected in this manner. The Blue Train is Transnet’s flagship and a national pride luxury train, which attracts international and local tourists alike.”