19 Dec 2022

Investigations into the train accident that occurred last month in Phakalane, Gaborone are ongoing and likely to inform decisions on how to make rail transportation in the country safer, the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale has told Parliament.

Giving a statement in Parliament on the fatal accident involving the Botswana Railways (BR) Train Number 0315 on November 15, Mr Molale said in addition to police investigations, the newly constituted Department of Accident Investigations (DAI) under his ministry was conducting technical investigation for the purposes of improving rail safety in the country.

Mr Molale said although investigations were still ongoing, the preliminary site investigations revealed some aspects that are subject to further analysis for accurate interpretation and remedial actions by the relevant authorities.

“Furthermore, the engineman, who is the key witness in the investigation, is still under the care of health practitioners and his interview by investigators is for now being held in abeyance.

Therefore, the details on the cause of the accident and remedial actions to be taken to avoid such occurrences in the future will await finalisation of the investigations,” Mr Molale said.

Mr Molale told Parliament that on the fateful day, BR Train No. 0315, which was being powered by one locomotive and hauling eight wagons of cement from Mahalapye to Gaborone, collided with the rear part of a trailer link to a horse and trailer truck upon reaching the main railway level crossing at Phakalane, at around 15:30.

“During the collision, the locomotive derailed to the left of the railway track.

After a distance of approximately 44 metres, the locomotive got completely off the track and made a rotation of approximately 45 degrees anti-clockwise from the centreline of the track, and tilted to the left onto a pile of mud next to the rail line,” Mr Molale said.

He further revealed that on board the locomotive’s cab were four occupants, an engineman who survived with serious injuries, as well as the three members who lost their lives, a trainman, and two trainmen trainees.

“The deceased were from Mahalapye, Mmutlane and Ramotswa and were buried during the week ending 27 November 2022.

I visited the bereaved families the day after the accident to pass government condolences to them.

I once again send my condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy and complete recovery to the engineman,” Mr Molale stated.

The minister also said at the time of the accident, the site was immediately cordoned off and rescue operations commenced with the help of the Botswana Police Service (BPS) and several first responders including the aviation fire service from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKA).

Mr Molale thanked those first responders for their effort and said investigators from DAI were also among the first to arrive on the scene, with investigations commencing after all occupants had been removed from the cab and rushed to the hospital.

He further assured Parliament that upon the conclusion of investigations a final report with some safety recommendations would be shared with the National Assembly for appreciation and scrutiny. Ends