State-owned logistics group Transnet reports that recovery teams are on site at the scene of the derailment that occurred on the morning of November 8 2022, where a train carrying export coal to Richards Bay derailed between Bloubank and Nhlazetshe stations, near Ulundi.
Transnet confirmed in a statement that heavy rains overnight had hampered recovery operations but site investigations and site preparations are under way and that specialised heavy-duty railway breakdown and recovery equipment was on its way to the site.
“It is still premature to give an estimated time for the re-opening of the two lines, as this will be determined once the site has been cleared and damages assessed.
“The cause of the derailment will be investigated and although it is too early to pre-empt the outcome, the derailment has taken place against a backdrop of threats and disruptions to the company’s operations by disgruntled groupings seeking business opportunities.
“These threats are being investigated by law enforcement agencies.”
Transnet said that it was providing updates to impacted customers on the status of recovery operations.
The derailment has affected the North Corridor, which runs from Mpumalanga coal fields to the KwaZulu-Natal port and transports coal and chrome among the key commodities transported along this corridor.