15 Dec 2019

Directorate of Accident Investigation is leading investigations on what could have caused the Botswana Railways (BR) passenger train accident that derailed near Pallaroad recentlyy.

When briefing Parliament about the accident on Thursday, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Thulagano Segokgo said investigations shall be thorough and the nation would be briefed about the findings.

He also noted that following investigations, necessary action would be taken to avert accidents in future.

The total number of people who were aboard the north-bound train including passengers and crew members was 395.

The accident claimed two crew members, while two crew members and one passenger sustained injuries and have been hospitalised at Mahalapye Hospital.

Mr Segokgo said five passengers were treated for minor injuries and discharged immediately, while one female passenger was referred to Princess Marina for further diagnosis and medical treatment, and had since been discharged.

He said the investigating team having gathered preliminary data and information, had permitted BR to proceed with moving coaches that stood intact on the rail line, with the assistance of Botswana Defence Force and Disaster Management Office.

Mr Segokgo said the damaged locomotive, luggage van, generator van, buffet car and four coaches would wait for the investigations to establish the magnitude of the damage.

He also said BR had halted all train movements until all the necessary repair works had been done, adding that this would take three to four days provided work was not hampered by inclement weather.

Mr Segokgo thanked Mahalapye Hospital Superintendent and staff for assisting the injured, providing counselling, as well as the BDF and Botswana Police Service for their assistance and availing their equipment for evacuating all on board. Ends