Trains collide near Mabopane

[John Ashworth]

1 dead, 25 critical after passenger trains collide

Barry Bateman | 08 April 2011
eye Witness News

One person has been killed and more than 20 are in a critical condition following a collision between two trains in Mabopane, north of Pretoria, on Friday afternoon.

The trains slammed into each other on a rail bridge above John Vorster Drive.

A police spokesperson said one driver was trapped in one of the trains and died instantly.

Most of the 250 people injured were being treated at the scene, others were taken to the George Mukhari and Kalafong hospitals.

Emergency services said one of the trains derailed, crashing into the other.

Spokesperson Johan Pieterse said spectators were causing traffic congestion and he urged people to avoid the scene of the accident.

One of the passengers said he heard a big smash and got off when the train came to a standstill.

“I just see a crowd of people and each and everybody was crying. It was bad. I’ve seen that it was a serious accident. I’m feeling pains now,” he said.

Metrorail spokesperson Lillian Mofokeng said services between Mabopane and Pretoria have been cancelled.

Alternative transport arrangements have been made.

The cause of the accident is not yet known.