Dominic Adriaanse
TWO people have been killed in as many days while crossing railway tracks, Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott has confirmed.
A train struck a man who had been walking between Bonteheuwel and Bishop Lavis train stations yesterday morning.
This happened a day after a person was struck and killed by a train between Parow and Tygerberg stations early on Wednesday.
In both cases police closed the sections of track for the duration of their on-site investigation.
“Platform changes and minor delays were recorded as a result. Rail pedestrian fatalities are treated by the police the same as in the case of a road fatality.”
Public Transport Voice spokesperson Zingisani Nkanjeni said Metrorail should improve its service.
“Often you see the outsourced security on certain stations present at instances where they should be acting, then don’t.
“Their intervention is of vital importance to the safety of both commuters and pedestrians.”
While more visible security and policing was required, said Nkanjeni, this should not mean higher ticket prices.
“Perhaps a solution would be to hand over ownership and management of the rail services to municipalities, especially the metros.
“This would ensure better management and accountability, including in such instances of pedestrian and commuter safety.”
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said: “Police attended to a scene on the railway lines between Bonteheuwel railway station and (Bishop Lavis) railway station. On the scene they found the body of an unidentified male in his thirties.”
The person was dressed in black tracksuit pants, a cream top and wore red sneakers, said Rwexana.
Parow police were investigating Wednesday’s incident.