02 Mar 2020

Former Botswana Railways (BR) board chairperson has apologised to the nation concerning a passenger train accident that occurred near Pallaroad on December 10.

Appearing before the board of inquiry in Mahalapye today, Mr Adolph Hirschfeld said the board was saddened by the incident.

"It is not easy to operate the train. We are sorry to the families, sorry to the shareholders for the damages caused. The aim and the objective is to try and avoid similar incidents. To the future board, I hope the shareholder will find time to interact more closely with the board," he added.

In response, the inquiry board chairperson, Mr Olefile Moakofi said it showed sense of responsibility for the former board chairperson to apologise to the nation.

Members of the Botswana Railways board today appeared before a board of inquiry that is investigating circumstances that led to derailment of the BR passenger train 0501/BD549 .

The accident, which claimed lives of two crew members, occured near Pallaroad. Since the investigation processes started on January 13, the board of inquiry interviewed some BR staff members including the CEO, train driver and passengers who were on board on the fateful night.

The inquiry board also held kgotla meetings in Mahalapye, Pallaroad and Palapye. They also visited Lobatse, Gaborone and Francistown to gather evidence from members if the public. ends