Four dead, 620 injured in deadly Pretoria train crash

[John Ashworth]

Four dead, 620 injured in deadly Pretoria train crash

South Africa Train Crash Kills at Least 3 and Injures 300

South African train collision kills three, injures 300

[John Ashworth]

SA train collision leaves 600 injured (video)

[John Ashworth]

Some photos can be found at http://www.friendsoftherail.com/forum/v ... 64&t=16628

[John Ashworth]

Blade Nzimande demands accountability from Prasa after fatal train crash

Signalling faults blamed for deadly Pretoria train crash

Rail Safety Regulator to release preliminary report on train crash

Disruptions likely following train collision in Pretoria January 8

[John Ashworth]

From sar-l

RSR ACCIDENT FINDINGS

A preliminary investigation by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) has found
that the fatal crash at Mountainview railway station in Pretoria on Tuesday
was a result of a breakdown in communication between the driver and Train
Control Officer, among other things.
Four people died and many more were injured when one train, en route to
Pretoria Station, collided with the rear of another train, destined for the
Belle Ombre station. Both trains departed from the Mabopane station and were
carrying passengers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the RSR said based on the data received
from PRASA, the section from Pretoria North to Mountainview has been
operating under manual authorisation since November 2018.
The report indicate that there was a breakdown in communication between the
Train Control Officer (TCO) and the train driver that was en route to the
Pretoria Station.
"After the train driver repeated the authority incorrectly, the TCO
acknowledged the incorrect authority. This resulted in the train entering
the section between the Pretoria North and Mountainview station wrongfully.
"The train driver and TCO did not comply with the Language Policy when
authorising," said the regulator.
The RSR said the damage observed on the coaches of both trains indicates
that the train to Pretoria Station may have been travelling at a
considerable speed.
During abnormal trains working, in particular when trains are manually
authorised, trains are required to travel at a speed of 30km/h. The exact
speed will, however, only be confirmed once the event recorder data is
received and analysed by the RSR.
Acting RSR acting Chief Executive Officer, Tshepo Kgare, said accidents such
the Mountainview incident indicate that PRASA is in contravention of its own
standard operating procedures as well as the directives of the regulator.
"The RSR has consistently highlighted the risks inherent to prolonged
periods of manual train authorisations and continues to compel PRASA to
provide proper control and supervision of manual train authorisation.
However, we keep on seeing a recurrence of incidents attributable to this
method of operation. Even after being issued with a court order to improve
safety on its operations, PRASA continues to demonstrate the highest levels
of lethargy and disregard for rail safety in their operations," she said.
The RSR will continue its investigation in order to establish the
contributing factors and the root cause of the collision.
It also sent commiserations to the families of the deceased and wishes those
injured and admitted to hospital a speedy recovery