The United National Transport Union (UNTU) would like to extend our well wishes to the train drivers, Blackie Swart and Paskal Setalala, who were amongst the 125 people injured after their Metrorail trains collided.
Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU, says it is still unclear as to what caused the head-on collision at the Lynross Railway Line. Metrorail trains, No. 9478 was travelling from Dewildt to Pretoria and No. 9457 was travelling between Rosslyn and Medusa Railway Station.
“What we do know is that the operating method was abnormal, both train drivers were authorised by their train conform officers to continue on route.
“The train drivers are among the 20 people who sustained serious injuries and are currently being treated at the Netcare Akasia Hospital.
Blackie Swart is an UNTU member, the majority Union in the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).
“We must allow the relevant authorities to investigate the cause properly. It is a blessing that there were no fatalities reported,” says Harris.
Dewildt trains were suspended until further notice shortly after the incident. Harris urges affected commuters to be patient and to refrain from attacking the staff or vandalizing the property of Metrorail in order to voice their frustration.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens, Media and Liaison Officer. For UNTU Press Releases e-mail sonja@untu.co.za or phone 082 463 6806.
