Metrorail train 9708 travelling from Faraday towards New Canada collided head on with a Naledi Jikeleza Train 9949 this morning at around 07H10.
A total 112 commuters mostly without valid train tickets sustained minor injuries and 7 with serious but not critical injuries are receiving medical attention at 4 local various hospitals. Four of the train crew members are also receiving medical assessments and will receive psychological support.
“The accident is regrettable and happened while the trains were authorized manually in the section due to a signaling upgrade program that is underway. Metrorail management offers its messages of speedy recovery to the injured commuters”, said Goodman Matampi, Acting Provincial Manager, Gauteng Metrorail.
Buses are used to transport commuters with valid train tickets between New Canada and George Goch via Booysens stations.
The preliminary cause of the accident is currently being investigated by Metrorail team on the ground and detailed information will be released in due cause. A board of enquiry will be instituted to determine the root cause of the accident and Prasa will be working closely with the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR).
The cost of the accident damages is still unknown at this stage.
Metrorail technical teams have already started to clear the scene of accident.
Management would like to thank the Johannesburg Emergency Services, Police, Medical Teams, employees and commuters for their support and understanding during this difficult time.
Safety of all commuters and employees is taken very seriously and remains our number one priority. Metrorail sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused….
