Share

PICS: Two commuters jump off burning train in Cape Town

Two commuters jumped off a train in Cape Town after it caught alight between Melton Rose and Blackheath stations, Metrorail said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Riana Scott said they luckily only suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

The train was travelling from Strand to Cape Town on Monday when a fire was reported on board a motor coach around 19:00, she said.

"One carriage was completely destroyed, and one partially damaged by the fire," said City of Cape Town fire and rescue service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.

WATCH: Commuters risk their lives on overcrowded Metrorail train

Four fire engines with 19 firefighters rushed to extinguish the fire. 

Scott said their response teams rushed to switch off the overhead electricity to enable firefighters to work safely.

The fire was brought under control about an hour later, at 19:50.

(Supplied)
The burnt-out train (Supplied)

She said the cause of the fire was not yet clear.

"The full extent and cost estimate of the damage will only be known once Prasa’s [Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa] loss adjusters have had opportunity to assess the damage."

By Tuesday morning, the line had been assessed and declared safe. Trains were operating on the line

(Supplied)

The burnt-out train (Supplied)


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. 
Subscribe to News24
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Are you still optimistic about the future of South Africa?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes, I believe the potential is still there
18% - 568 votes
No, I feel we cannot reverse the damage that has been done
49% - 1520 votes
I will only be able to say after the 2024 elections
33% - 1037 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
17.79
+0.0%
Rand - Pound
21.97
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
19.34
-0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
11.90
-0.0%
Rand - Yen
0.13
+0.0%
Platinum
991.31
+1.1%
Palladium
1,460.24
0.0%
Gold
1,969.50
0.0%
Silver
24.11
0.0%
Brent Crude
79.89
+1.6%
Top 40
70,498
-0.8%
All Share
76,100
-0.8%
Resource 10
66,234
-1.9%
Industrial 25
102,950
-0.3%
Financial 15
15,496
-0.9%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE