Train derails in Namibia on washed-away tracks

March 4, 2017 • Accidents, Train

A train on its way from Tsumeb to Walvis Bay derailed between Kranzberg and Omaruru after the railway had been washed away by flooding rivers overnight.

Hans Karon, TransNamib’s Area Chief of Operations, confirmed the incident and said it occurred at about 01:59 on Friday.

Karon said the train consisted of both goods and passenger wagons.

“The train did not carry any passengers at the time of the accident. The only people aboard the train were the drivers of the locomotives and none were injured when the train derailed.”
Zebby Mukungu, TransNamib’s acting executive of commercial and marketing affairs, issued a statement in which the carrier’s clients are informed of the incident. In the statement he says that flooding caused substantial damage to the rail infrastructure.

“We had to suspend services for both freight and passengers between Otjiwarongo and Kranzberg until further notice. Our teams are hard at work to attend to equipment recovery efforts, earthworks and the rehabilitation of the railway line and accompanying infrastructure.

According to Mukungu it would be difficult to say when the affected line will be reopened for service. He also did not venture into the cost of damages.

Karon said the train was pulled by three locomotives when the incident occurred. The three huge machines derailed while none of the wagons were affected by the accident.

Niel Terblanche

Train derails in Namibia on washed-away tracks https://t.co/oDlxUPDbei #ArriveAlive @StanfromIBF pic.twitter.com/xBPFZdR1rK

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 4, 2017