27 hurt in East London train crash

File photo: Leon Nicholas

File photo: Leon Nicholas

Published Feb 7, 2013

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East London - At least 29 people were injured when two trains collided in East London, in the Eastern Cape, on Thursday, Metrorail said.

“In total, 27 passengers were taken to hospital for assessment and slight lacerations,” said Metrorail's regional manager Richard Walker.

“Another two staff members were also slightly injured and taken to hospital.”

The accident happened at 1.45pm at the East London railway station.

Walker described the incident as a “light collision” in its “own yard”.

He said a train coming into the yard went onto the wrong track and hit a stationary train.

“You see, there was a train occupying that platform. The other train was supposed to go onto the platform next to it, but accidentally moved onto the wrong track.”

The stationary train, with passengers, was meant to depart at 2pm.

The train service resumed at 3.12pm, but Walker said there would be delays into the evening.

A board of inquiry would be set up within the next 48-hours to determine the cause of the accident.

“We apologise to those who were injured and wish them a speedy recovery,” said Walker. - Sapa

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