JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi as well as acting Transport Minister Thulas Nxesi has on Tuesday wished a speedy recovery to commuters who were injured when two Metrorail trains collided at Booysens, south of Johannesburg.
Metrorail train 9708 travelling from Faraday towards New Canada was said to have collided head-on with a Naledi-Jikeleza Train 9949 at around 7am. The collision took place while trains were manually authorised in the section due to the signalling upgrade currently underway.
“We are deeply shocked by this accident and would take this opportunity to wish those who were injured a speedy recovery. We are calling on Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa together with the Railway Safety Regulator to look at this matter further and undertake urgent measures to improve commuters’ safety,” Vadi said.
Nxesi meanwhile, directed the RSR and Prasa to expedite the investigation into the accident.
"Following the outcome of this investigation, consequence management shall apply to all those who might be found to have negligently caused the crash," said Nxesi.
He appealed to Prasa to expedite the process of replacing all existing signal interlocking systems and to ensure that standardised safety measure are observed at all times.
"We are doing so, with a full appreciation that South Africans, in majority, the poor and the working class, deserve an efficient, responsive, safe and cost effective public transport system," he said.
At least 112 commuters sustained minor injuries with seven sustaining serious but not critical injuries.
The injured were currently receiving medical attention at various hospitals. Four of the train crew members were also receiving medical assessments and will receive psychological support.