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 The DA is saddened at the news that 19 people were killed, and 24 others injured, when a goods train collided with a truck carrying farm workers in Mpumalanga this morning.

Initial reports indicate that the train and truck collided at a train crossing. An investigation should be launched as to whether the appropriate safety measures were put in place at this train crossing and whether these safety measures were followed.

My colleague in Mpumalanga, DA Provincial Leader Anthony Benadie, will be taking this matter up in the provincial legislature. Incidents like these should not be happening in South Africa.

We must do everything in our power to limit the number of accidents and deaths on our roads. In particular, we must redouble our efforts to increase safety measures at train crossings.

We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them in this difficult time. We wish those who were injured a speedy recovery.