[caption id="attachment_38330" align="alignright" width="405"] OFF THE RAILS: Transnet workers and fire fighters survey the derailed Shosholoza Meyl train just outside the Port Elizabeth Station yesterday. Picture: EUGENE COETZEE[/caption]
A PASSENGER train carrying more than 200 people derailed just before pulling into the Port Elizabeth Station yesterday. The Shosholoza Meyl, which had travelled from Bloemfontein with 222 people on board, shifted off the rails when a piece of the track came apart.
Although no one was seriously injured, three firefighters were hurt when their fire truck overturned on the way to the accident site.
The train passengers were treated for shock at the scene.
The Shosholoza – a division of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and known for its slogan "a pleasant experience" – came to a sudden halt at the Port Elizabeth terminus just minutes before entering the station at noon.
Girshwin Robile, 17, who witnessed the drama, said: "As the train approached the terminus, I saw blue sparks coming from underneath.
"Then there were red sparks above the train too when it touched the electrical wires running through the terminus.
"The next thing I saw was the train's head [locomotive] falling over, shooting off sparks like crackers." - Alvené du Plessis and Riaan Marais
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