Human error has been identified as the main cause of the crash between a train and a scholar transport bus between Arnot and Wonderfontein in Middelburg Mpumalanga. Six learners died and 19 others were admitted to hospital following the incident last Wednesday.
According to preliminary investigations by the Railway Safety Regulator, the bus driver failed to stop at a level crossing.
The horrific crash has not left parents and citizens only deeply shocked, but also concerned about the safety of their children on their way to and from school.
Five learners died instantly, while the sixth passed on in hospital. 19 learners were rushed to hospital while 10 were discharged over the weekend with nine remaining in hospital. Two out of the nine are critical.
The Railway Safety Regulator has since found that the bus driver did not adhere to traffic rules. The regulator’s preliminary investigation indicates that the driver disregarded protection signage at the level crossing.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Safety Regulator, Mmuso Selaledi says it is concerning that some drivers continue to disregard safety protocols at level crossings.
“The Railway Safety Regulator has completed its investigation. Its preliminary one, and findings show that the level crossing protection signage was largely compliant, and if anything, there was a lack of compliance to road safety signals on the bus driver’s side. The Railway Safety Regulator, together with the Road Traffic Management Corporation and road traffic authorities, will work together to finalize any further investigations that are required,” says Selaledi.
Meanwhile, other law enforcement agencies such as the police say their investigations are still ongoing.
Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety and Security Liaison Spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi says a complete report could be released soon.
“Remember, in any crash, where people lose their lives, there will be what we call a preliminary report. A preliminary report might be available within a short space of time. But in this instance, the investigation is ongoing. In terms of the standards, we have about 30 days or so for the investigators to complete their work. Remember, there might be other allegations that are made that the police need to investigate. We are not saying we don’t have complete information, but there might be other allegations that come forward that might be investigated. And this will form part of the investigations. And then in the event there are any further injuries, that must also be taken into account within that 30-day period,” says Mmusi.
Mmusi has also confirmed that some of the learners who sustained injuries are still in hospital.
“There are learners who are still at the hospital who still need to be interviewed. There are other people and role players whose statements must still be taken into cognisance. There are issues such as the post-mortem report results. All of those things must form part of those reports.”
A memorial service of the deceased will be held on Wednesday, and they will be laid to rest on Saturday.
Video: Preliminary report into deadly train and scholar transport crash released
