MIDDELBURG – Transnet has confirmed that the required signs warning motorists and pedestrians about the approaching train were in place at the time of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of six students from Moerelig Combined School.
The collision occurred when a school bus collided with a Transnet train at a level crossing near Sekhululiwe Village in Middelburg.
“The stop sign and level crossing signs were clearly visible, making compliance mandatory,” said Litha Mcwabeni, Transnet Freight Rail executive.
Mcwabeni made these comments to the Highveld Chronicle during a memorial service for the six deceased students at Sekhululiwe community hall on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
He added that, besides the signage, the train conductor sounds a warning horn several meters before reaching the level crossing to alert motorists and pedestrians of the oncoming train. “The train operator is required to sound the horn between 20 and 50 meters before reaching the level crossing,” he explained. “The audibility of the warning signal is beyond dispute from our perspective.”
Mcwabeni also pointed out that trains need considerable distance to come to a complete stop after applying the brakes. “This highlights the importance of level crossings, which give trains the right of way. Motorists and pedestrians must exercise extreme caution when crossing at these points,” he said.
He called for a thorough investigation into the bus driver’s actions. “The driver’s past conduct and their actions on the day of the incident must be closely examined,” he stressed.
Addressing speculation about the bus driver’s alleged recklessness and sobriety, Mcwabeni noted that Transnet maintains its own position on the matter. “We have asked that these concerns be reported to the authorities, as we wish to avoid prejudging the findings of the investigation,” he stated.
“Transnet is fully committed to working with the investigative agencies. We are prepared to make our driver and assistant available for questioning to support the investigation.”
