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) Metrorail offers reward for info
Fire destroys carriage
The burntout carriage of a Metrorail train at the Kuils River Station. Photo: Jessica Botes
JESSICA BOTES
The first class carriage of a Cape Town-bound train was recently destroyed and two adjacent carriages damaged when a fire started in the carriage as the train left the Kuils River Station. The fire started just after 11:00 on Thursday morning and investigations are under way to confirm the circumstances of the incident. It is suspected that the fire was set deliberately. Metrorail regional manager, Lin-
delo Matya, said the destruction of the three carriages brings the total number lost to fire in the last six months to eight. The cost of the damage will only be confirmed postassessment but it is estimated to run into several million. According to Eldon Pieterse, a passenger on the train, they had no idea the train was on fire. “When the train stopped we just stayed in the carriage,” said Pieterse, “it was only when a passenger from the burning carriage came to warn us that we got off the train.” “In case of fire, a train is required
to stop as soon as the fire is detected,” said Matya. “The train driver and guard have specific duties to fulfil in compliance with the emergency plan. The plan takes account of the 3 000 volt overhead high tension electricity and other operational logistics endemic to the rail environment.” The train stopped just after leaving the station with about five coaches in the section, the remainder of the train was still at the platform. “Logic dictated that commuters closest to the source of the fire would be attended to first,” said
Matya. No one was injured in the fire and emergency services were on site to assist. “We had to wait over two hours for the buses to arrive,” said Pieterse. “I go to college and I have now missed all my classes. They did not even give me a letter to say that the trains were being delayed so now I will be marked absent from class.” “When trains are delayed, Metrorail dispatches buses automatically, but experience has shown that this process can take a while,” said Matya. “In some instances the train
service has been restored before the buses arrive”. Metrorail asks that witnesses with any information that may assist the police in apprehending the perpetrators come forward. “A reward of up to R25 000 may be paid for information leading to a successful conviction,” said Matya. Reports may be sent to the SAPS Crime Line on 08600 10111 or Crime tip-offs SMS 32211. . Metrorail has over the past month implemented various new security measures to clamp down on vandalism. See article on page 2.