WATCH: Transnet suffers train derailment near Empangeni

The mass power outage that affected Richards Bay on Saturday night and into Sunday morning appears to have been the cause of a train accident.

This is according to Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) OCC Tactical Volume Planning, who issued a statement on the matter.

“The purpose of this notification is to advise the industry of a rear-end collision that occurred at Elubana at approximately 06h06 this morning [Sunday].

“Train 4831 collided with train 4623 that was standing at Elubana owing to the power outage on Richards Bay, resulting in both trains derailing.

“The teams are on-site conducting assessments and an update will be shared as soon as the details are made available.

“Further updates will be shared by the relevant key account managers.”

This is at EMabhuyeni Area Empangeni close to my home. No one died they are still busy with the removal pic.twitter.com/0OvR4U4i6F

— Shunki (@_Malusi_) January 15, 2024

Transnet Freight Rail confirmed the incident on Monday evening saying recovering efforts are under way to restore operations following the derailment.

“TFR teams were dispatched to the scene immediately and recovery efforts began in earnest. No serious injuries have been reported, and staff involved in the collision were sent for medical observation.

“Environmental teams are also at the scene to ensure compliance in the recovery and clean-up operations.

“An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident,” TFR said in a statement.

According to KwaZulu Private Ambulance paramedics who attended the train derailment yesterday (Sunday), there were two people on the train and one of them, a female, sustained minor injuries and was transported to hospital for further treatment. The other occupant escaped with no injuries

HAVE YOUR SAY