2010 Pretoria train accident

History

On 21 April 2010, a luxury tourist train operated by Rovos Rail was at Centurion Station where the electric locomotive was being changed for a Class 25NC 4-8-4 steam locomotive. During the changeover, the carriages ran away out of control for 12 mi until they derailed at Pretoria. There were 59 passengers and thirty train staff on board the carriages. Three of the train crew were killed, and about R15,000,000 (£1,338,000) of damage was done to the carriages.

Investigation

The South African authorities opened an investigation into the accident. A board of enquiry was set up. Metrorail and the South African Railway Safety Regulator were represented on the board of enquiry. It is reported that the handbrakes on the carriages had not been applied. As the train was not on level track, scotches (wedges) were also required to be placed under the wheels of the carriages.

References

References

1. (21 April 2010). "Rovos Rail train derails in South Africa: Two dead". BBC News Online.
2. (21 April 2010). "Britons unhurt as vintage safari train derails in South Africa". The Independent.
3. Jones, Robin. (2010). "Three dead in steam trip crash". Mortons Media Group Ltd.
4. Hosken, Graeme (and Sapa). (24 April 2010). "Rovos, Transnet get 'improvement directive'". IOL.