The railway track and overhead track equipment at the Glosam level crossing, in the Northern Cape, sustained significant damage when a truck collided with a train owned and operated by State-owned Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), on August 16.
TFR reports that there were no injuries, but says the line has been closed for the recovery of the wreckage.
The train was not loaded and was travelling in the direction of Hotazel from Postmasburg. The train had right of way, meaning the truck driver should have stopped at the level crossing to allow the train to pass, but failed to do so.
This resulted in the collision and derailment of the train’s three locomotives and 14 empty wagons.
"TFR would like to remind road users that trains require a longer distance to stop and it is inadvisable to attempt to cross a level crossing when trains are approaching.
“It is critical to obey the rules of level crossing, including that a train has right of way on the track. Drivers must bring their vehicles to a complete stop when approaching a level crossing and only cross once it has been ascertained that no trains are approaching," TFR stresses.