Clearing of the export coal line to the Port of Richards Bay following a collision between two freight trains on Sunday should be completed for the resumption of loads today, January 19, Transnet Freight Rail has said.
This was confirmed by a separate source from TFR involved with technical operations, who lauded the collaborative efforts of all concerned, from both the public and private sector stakeholders.
The source who requested anonymity said it helped that clearing of the line near Elubana close to the port was concentrated in one specific area.
TFR has since said that recovery crews made good progress towards restoring operations after the incident in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“While the recovery efforts have been impacted by the persistent heavy rainfall in the region, TFR is hopeful that weather permitting, the last remaining debris will be removed overnight.”
TFR added that the rail service was expected to reopen at midnight on January 18 for Line 2.
Subject to weather conditions, Line 2 should be reopened this Sunday, January 20.
TFR said the swift response from industry in providing breakdown equipment to aid the recovery operation significantly contributed to reopening the line in five days’ time.
“The accident has been reported to the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), while an internal investigation into the cause is ongoing,” TFR said.
“Staff involved in the collision have been given the all-clear following medical examination.”
