Safety of trains put to the test

23 April 2010 - 02:00
By Katlego Moeng

MANY tourists and South Africans will be travelling by train during the 2010

MANY tourists and South Africans will be travelling by train during the 2010

World Cup and as witnessed on Wednesday in Pretoria, disaster can strike without warning.

Three women employed by Rovos Rail died after the luxury train carrying dozens of foreign tourists derailed.

The injured want to be assured that officials attending to the accident scene know what they are doing. That is why various disaster management and law enforcement agencies are undergoing training.

A train crash simulation exercise was held at Frederickstad, North West, near Potchefstroom yesterday.

Transnet spokesperson Nothemba Dlali said: "The purpose of the simulation is to ensure alignment with role players when rail incidents occur, to test the validity of the contingency plan and prepare for the World Cup".