Four people were killed and two others injured in a crash with a freight train in Postmasburg in the Northern Cape at the weekend.
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) said in a statement on Monday that the engine of the bakkie in which the four people were travelling appeared to have failed at a level crossing near Groenwater in Postmasburg on Sunday.
“The incident resulted in four occupants of the bakkie being fatally injured and two others suffering serious injuries. This is a tragic incident and we convey our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the rail operator said.
“Preliminary indications are that the bakkie, which was carrying 12 people, was stuck on the level crossing when it was struck by the approaching train.”
Paramedics responded to the scene and transported the two injured occupants to the nearest hospital.
“The incident is being investigated by the South African Police Service. TFR will conduct a full investigation,” the rail operator said.
This crash follows a horror accident last week that claimed the lives of five school children who were killed when the bus they were travelling in collided with a freight train in Middelburg in Mpumalanga. Eleven people, including the train and bus drivers, were injured in the crash.
The accident occurred at a level crossing on the R104 Road near Mafube Village, between Wonderfontein and Arnot, on Wednesday. The bus was carrying about 30 learners from Morneg School.
TFR is investigating the incident.
