A significant train derailment occurred on Friday morning between Hammarsdale and Cato Ridge, involving cargo trains and leading to substantial disruptions in rail services.
Cargo train derails between Hammarsdale and Cato Ridge
PLEASE NOTE: The third-party content below is shared on our platform for journalistic purposes. Swisher Post, its parent company, partners and affiliates shall not be held liable for any consequence that arises from the journalistic duties performed in sharing this content.
The incident involved two trains: Train number 1076, an electric multiple unit (EMU), and Train number 6202, carrying empty cement trucks.
The leading coach of Train 1076 from the Cato Ridge side tipped onto its side, with the second coach’s first bogie also derailed.
The remaining coaches remained intact. In a separate but related incident, the last wagon of Train 6202’s detached load on the Cato Ridge side derailed, along with three of the six wagons that were left behind.
Emergency services and rail technicians were promptly dispatched to the site to manage the situation and begin recovery efforts.
Cause of the derailment and recovery plans
According to an official at the scene, the preliminary investigation into the derailment has pinpointed improper communication between the Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) Train Control Officer (TCO) and the TFR Signal Technician as the immediate cause of the accident.
It appears there was a routing error, with Train 6202 mistakenly directed onto line number 2 instead of its intended line number 1, while Train 1076 was meant to proceed on line number 2.
Both trains were moving when they collided.
Recovery operations are expected to be completed by Sunday, 12 May 2024, assuming crane operations commence within the next 24 hours.
Following the crane operations, the recovery of the infrastructure will resume.
Here’s how the train derailment affects rail services between Hammarsdale and Cato Ridge
As a result of the derailment, there has been a complete halt of rail services on the affected line, with delays expected to continue until the track is declared safe for use.
The rail carrier involved has announced that schedules for trains operating in this area will be significantly affected until further notice.
Travellers relying on rail transport in the area are advised to seek alternative transportation while recovery and repair work is underway.
