Issued by Department of Transport
13 November 2000
Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar, has announced that there will be an independent Enquiry into the train accident which took place on 7 November 2000 between Elsburg and Katlehong in the East Rand.
Two Metrorail trains collided head-on at about 16h24 on that day, resulting in the loss of four lives - two Metrorail train drivers, Mr JJB Van de Heever and Mr JJ Smit and two train passengers, Ms Pinkie Mhlanga and Ms Gloria Ngcuka.
Minister Omar has expressed his condolences to the families of the bereaved and his sympathies with the 106 persons who were injured. 17 of the injured were admitted to hospital. Four were in a serious condition. Only one person is still in hospital. Minister Omar wishes them speedy recovery.
The SA Commuter Rail Corporation has undertaken to provide assistance to families.
The South African government is committed to ensuring that South Africa's rail system is safe. It is for this reason that a task team was set up some time ago to draft legislation for the setting up of an independent Rail Safety Authority. The team visited Canada and government has secured the assistance of the Canadian government in this regard.
A Canadian team is due to visit South Africa shortly to provide on the spot support.
Minister Omar has noted that the accident of 7 November was not the first train accident. Even though in the other accidents there was no loss of life, the issue of rail safety is far too serious a matter to be left to chance.
Accordingly, it is the intention of government to set up an independent Enquiry into the recent train accidents. The exact form of the Enquiry will be announced after consultations with Metrorail, the SA Commuter Corporation, the SA Commuter Association and the affected trade unions have been completed.
This afternoon the MEC for Transport for Gauteng, Mr Khabisi Mosumkutu, who previously visited the scene of the accident, will be meeting with representatives of trade unions. He is mandated by Minister Omar (who is in parliament this afternoon) to consult with the Unions)
In the light of the fact that the consultation process has not been completed, it is not possible to announce the formal setting up of an Enquiry until tomorrow, Tuesday, 14 November 2000. A press conference in this connection will be held in the Forum Building, Pretoria at 11h30 on Tuesday for that purpose.
Issued on behalf of Minister of Transport
By Ntau Leteble
Parliamentary Officer
Tel: (021) 465-7260
Cell: 083-680-7075