A HORRIFIC train accident on Friday morning left a man dead and two injured.
Danny Tshabalala (50), who witnessed the accident at Pienaarspoort Station in Tshwane’s Mamelodi East, said a Ford Ranger failed to stop on the railway level crossing.
“The train hit the bakkie on its left side. People were screaming and others ran to the scene after hearing the commotion,” Danny said.
He said the bakkie was trying to overtake a car on the level crossing.
After the crash many people just stood staring in disbelief.
There was a dead man lying on the ground and two others sustained injuries. Commuters said the man who died was sitting on the back of the bakkie.
They said he tried to jump off when he saw the train coming but the bakkie fell over and crushed him.
Metrorail spokeswoman Lillian Mofokeng said services were disrupted due to the accident.
“Metrorail’s management offered their condolences to the family that lost a loved one,” she said.
“Alternative transport was arranged between Pienaarspoort and Eerste Fabriek stations.
“Safety within our operations is our priority and motorists are reminded to remain vigilant when approaching level crossings in the interest of their safety and that of other road users.”
Mofokeng apologised for any inconvenience caused by the accident.
Police spokesman Captain Michael Mbewe said a case of culpable homicide was opened at Mamelodi East Police
Station.
