South Africa train crash: 'One dead and at least 5 injured' after horror collision

Paramedics responded to the crash at approximately 21:20 local time. An ambulance spokesperson said: “Initial reports from the scene show that one person has sustained fatal injuries, while approximately five other people have sustained minor to moderate injuries.” The cause of the collision is currently being investigated. 

Injured passengers have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Emergency services attended the scene at Horizon View Station, Roodeport on Wednesday evening.

A passenger train and a goods train are said to have collided, causing one train to derail on impact. 

It is not yet known how many people were onboard the train.

Significant damage has been sustained to the railway track, and it is expected the incident will cause travel chaos in the morning. 

The South African ambulance service, ER24, posted on Twitter: “Reports of one critically injured patient was found lying trapped inside the train.”

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The South African railway system is publicly owned, and the most highly developed in Africa.

All major cities in South Africa are connected by rail. 

Although many commuters use rail for their daily commute, nationally, only half of the track is being fully utilised. 

Approximately 35% of the rail track carries no or very low activity. 

source: express.co.uk