14 NOVEMBER 2000
I would like to start by expressing my shock at the recent commuter rail accident which took place on 7 November 2000. On behalf of Government, condolences are conveyed to the families of those people who died in the accident. I also wish to send our sympathies and support to those who were injured wish them a speedy recovery and apologise for the inconvenience this accident has caused. On Tuesday, 7 November 2000, two trains collided between Wadeville and Katlehong stations at 16h15. Four people (two train drivers and two women) died and 117 people were injured.
Of the 117 passengers injured, 107 were admitted at Natalspruit, Johannesburg General, Union and Edenvale Hospitals, while the other ten were treated at the scene of the accident. All the injured (except one) have been discharged from hospital.
Two train control officers were subsequently suspended, pending official enquiries.
Buses were immediately arranged to transport commuters from Germiston station through to Katlehong. Two hotline numbers were published through the media for people to be able to ascertain names of the injured and the hospitals to which they had been taken.
The Gauteng MEC of Transport, Mr Khabisi Mosunkutu visited the accident scene also on my behalf. He also visited the injured in hospitals.
The following day, the 8th November 2000 the Chairman of SARCC, Board of Control, Mr Peter Malungani, the Acting Managing Director, Mr Ben van der Ross, and other SARCC top management together with Metrorail CEO, Mr Honey Mateya and members of his top management visited the 17 passengers still remaining in hospitals and assured them of support from both SARCC and Metrorail.
The South Africa Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) issued a media statement through Metrorail to announce without prejudice payment available to the affected persons on humanitarian grounds. The Corporation explained that the humanitarian payment is for assisting families of the deceased and those who were injured. The payment included funeral and transport costs and immediate emergency medical fees. A contact number was also publicised to facilitate the lodging of claims. These humanitarian payments are over and above the amount affected individuals may be able to claim from SARCC=s insurers, (Lloyd's of London).
SARCC's Executive Manager Mr Enos Ngutshane, together with Metrorail's CEO Mr Honey Mateya and the Mayors of Germiston and Daveyton visited the deceased families and handed out the humanitarian payments for funeral costs to the families on Friday, 10 November 2000.
SARCC's Risk Management Department is currently processing claims from the injured people.
Three independent enquiries will be conducted to investigate the accident, being;
An inquiry by Metrorial in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993) to establish the cause of the accident. This inquiry will be managed by Metrorail after which a report will be submitted to the Department of Labour for its investigation.
The Department of Labour (through its Inspectorate) will investigate the circumstances of the incident and submit a full report together with all relevant statements, documents and information to the Attorney-General for action in accordance with the provisions of the Inquest Act, 1959 (Act No. 58 of 1959) and / or the Criminal Procedure Act,1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977)
As you most probably are aware, there is no independent Rail Safety Regulator in South Africa and in the absence thereof I have decided to appoint in consultation with my colleague, Mr Jeff Radebe, Minister of Public Enterprises, a judicial commission of inquiry. This commission will act independently from the investigations of the Department of Labour and Metrorail but should benefit from information made available. My decision to appoint this commission of inquiry originates from the fact that there have been other incidents and also serious allegations made in the press by the labour unions. In this regard, Mr Mosunkutu also met with representatives of the unions yesterday in order to establish their concerns.
I also discussed the matter telephonically with the President of the SA Commuters Association. I am aware of the confusion which may occur as a result of these inquiries taking place simultaneously. I have taken the step to appoint a judicial commission of inquiry because of the need to guarantee an independent process. If arising from any of the processes a prosecution is launched, the matter will be reviewed so as not to undermine the prosecution. With regard to the longer term, my Department is currently engaged in developing legislation for the establishment of a Rail Safety Regulator. Such legislation should be completed in draft form by January 2001 and will be tabled in Parliament shortly thereafter. A programme of co-operation between ourselves and the Government of Canada has assisted us in fast tracking this process. I am therefore confident that an effective independent Regulator will assist in creating safer rail operations and an enforced system of safety compliance across the rail network including both freight and passenger operations.
In this regard I am happy to report that Regional Court President, Mr Percy Monareng, will be appointed to lead the inquiry. Assessors (probably two) will also be appointed to assist him in the inquiry.
Without wishing to pre-empt the findings of the commission, but in the interests of the public, the SARCC as agent of the Department of Transport is in urgent discussion with Metrorail to ascertain what immediate action can be taken by Metrorail to avoid any recurrence.
In conclusion, I would like to reassure the public that no stone will be left unturned to determine the cause of the accident and to prevent a recurrence thereof. The need for increased capital investment in the commuter rail system in order to ensure safety in the system is currently under consideration by Government.
Thank you.
ISSUED BY
Mike Mabasa
Media Liaison Officer to the
Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar
Pretoria
Tel: 083 680 7048
14 November 2000