Train crash leaves 3 dead, 300 injured in S. Africa

Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-08 19:53:35|Editor: xuxin
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JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and around 300 were left injured when two Metrorail trains collided at Mountain View station in Pretoria on Tuesday morning.

Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Charles Mabaso told Xinhua that they were still at the scene searching for more bodies.

"We have three confirmed fatalities. We are waiting for the police to clear us to continue to with the search," Mabaso said, adding the technical team is searching the area using small cameras to locate any additional bodies that are lying on the side of the road.

Mabaso said that the death toll might rise as some people were still trapped in the wreckage.

"In terms of patients count, 300 patients have been transported to various hospitals within the city, of which 218 have light injuries and 82 with serious injuries," he said.

It is believed that when the accident happened, one train was stationary on the platform and hit by another train. Metrorail spokeswoman, Lillian Mofokeng said that the cause of the crash would be determined as soon as investigation is completed.

Some have expressed concern about the frequent trains accidents that occurred in recent months.

Three months ago, two Metrorail trains collided in Kempton Park leaving scores of people injured. Also in September last year, two trains collided in Selby injuring more than 100 people.

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