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The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) can confirm that a PRASA Shosholoza Meyl long distance train, travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town, derailed between Modderrivier and Heuningneskloof Stations in the Northern Cape at 23H20 on Tuesday, 18 August 2015.

Train 71010 hauled by an 18 E electric locomotive departed Johannesburg at 12H30, coupled to the AFRO 4010 diesel locomotive in Kimberley and continued with the journey at 21H20. The train and ten of its coaches derailed about 50 km south of Kimberly. Sixty passengers, the train driver, his assistant and technician were injured in the derailment and have been taken to hospital.

Thus far, it is known that damage was caused to 300 metres of perway (track), sleepers and OHTE with four mast poles. The line remains closed while the scene is being cleared.
The Railway Safety Regulator's inspectors are on site to conduct their investigation. More information will be made available as the investigation continues.

Issued by The Railway Safety Regulator