Hundreds hurt in train crash
Two trains collided between Mzimhlophe and Phomolong stations in Soweto last night
A total of 644 passengers were injured, two critically, when two trains collided in Meadowlands, Soweto, according to Johannesburg paramedics.
"We had a total of two men who were critically injured and airlifted to Charlotte Maxeke academic hospital, and 642 with minor and serious injuries," Netcare 911 spokesman Jeff Wicks said from the scene of the crash.
At least 20 ambulances rushed the injured to various hospitals, including Chris Hani-Baragwanath Academic, Charlotte Maxeke and Helen Joseph.
Some of the injured commuters said the train they were travelling in from Johannesburg to Naledi was moving at an unusually high speed when it crashed into the stationary Business Express about 5.30pm.
"I travel in the train daily but it was the first time that I saw it moving at such high speed," Smangele Mbambo said.
Some of the injured said they only heard a loud bang before they were flung all over the train.
Scores of the injured lay on the rail tracks and the nearby Ntombela Street which resembled a hospital casualty section.
Those who were critical were airlifted by two helicopters to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Joburg.
"On arrival, paramedics found passengers from both trains lying on the tracks. There were no fatalities," Wicks said.
Curious Sowetans rushed to the scene out of concern for possible injured relatives.
"I heard a loud bang while watching television and came rushing to see if any of my relatives were in the train," said bystander Teko Peu.
He said he was expecting his sister to be on the train. "I haven't heard from her and I wonder whether she is among the injured," he said, speaking last night.
Johannesburg emergency services spokesman Synock Matobako said that about 150 of the injured were transported to various hospitals in the area.
tibza
Speed kills and i hope they put speed limits on those trains because they can run like mad cow,especially when you are late,it is like the driver feel that someone is late.wish speedy recovery to those affectedReport Abuse
Mellow
Thank goodness no one died makes one wonder as to what happened really, the other train was travelling at a ridiculous speed before it crashed into the Business Express hhmmm TECHNICAL FAULT perhaps. people wont feel safe any more using trains and sadly they are the most affordable means of transportwish them all as peedy recovery
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Sinudeity
Yeah, its a miracle nobody died.I hope a speedy recovery to all the injured commuters.
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Mellow
@Ann Morning Lady girl i do not sleep hey am forever working i think am one of those people LOL so yes 98% of time am on the NET it doesnt matter where i am anyways how are you today girl?Report Abuse
Kwetja1206
its sad and heartfelt to hear about the tragetic accident,but actually can one explain what cause this,wish speedy recovery to the affected commuters.Report Abuse
salas
We wish them a speedy recovery. I wish it could have car hijackers, 500 of them, dead.Their number seems to have exceeded that of commuters who make a living honestly.Report Abuse
