Logistics & Transport News South Africa

Transnet temporarily suspends Blue Train operations

Transnet has temporarily suspended the operations of its luxury Blue Train following safety concerns.
Source: flickr.com via
Source: flickr.com via Wikimedia Commons

According to an EWN news report, the rail agency said its decision to pull the famous locomotive from the tracks was a precautionary measure following what it calls "recent incidents".

Earlier this month, the Blue Train caught alight when a fire broke out in a coach while it was in for repairs in Koedoespoort.

According to a Transnet statement, three people were seen fleeing the scene. One person was apprehended by Transnet security personnel and handed over to the police. Two other people are still at large.

The coach in question had been taken to Koedoespoort for repairs after being involved in a derailment last November at the Salvokop Train Yard in Pretoria and then again at Union Station near Germiston.

While the service is suspended, Blue Train staff will be deployed to the depot and offices "until further notice", Times Live reported.

Transnet said it would work over the next few days "on how best to manage the situation".

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