Cape Town - A Metrorail employee died in hospital on Tuesday after falling under a train while chasing a passenger who apparently had no ticket.
The incident occurred at 6.30am at the Harfield train station, said Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott.
Metro ambulance and paramedics were reportedly on the scene, and the 34-year-old woman was taken to hospital.
“According to first reports, she was in pursuit of a fare evader when she appeared to slip and fall between the train and the platform.
“She succumbed to her injuries on the way to hospital,” Scott said.
Metrorail regional manager Richard Walker expressed his condolences to the woman’s family and friends on behalf of Metrorail management and staff in the region.
“She was a valued member of our customer services team at Wynberg depot.
“Their pain is our pain and we hold them in our prayers as they struggle to come to terms with their untimely loss.”
Walker added that the incident would be investigated so that the woman’s family could find closure after the tragedy.
Scott said Metrorail would also be assisting her family and colleagues with trauma counselling and other support required.
According to her, 27 trains were delayed as a result and four had to be cancelled. Normal train services were resumed at 7.47am.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said that while the Metrorail employee was in pursuit, the fare evader jumped on to a moving train to get away.
“In an attempt to grab hold of the suspect, the victim slipped on the wet platform and fell on to the railway track.”
Cape Times