Two people were killed in Namibia when the Rovos Rail train derailed as a result of a washaway of the last span of a bridge.
Image: Supplied
Two railway crew members died following the derailment of a luxury passenger train operated by Rovos Rail near Ariamsvlei early Sunday morning.
The train was travelling southbound from Windhoek toward South Africa when it derailed at Naute, approximately 285 kilometres short of Ariamsvlei and the South African border.
In a statement, the company confirmed that the derailment was caused by a washaway of the final span of a bridge.
“The cause was a washaway of the last span of a bridge resulting in the loss of two locomotives and two utility coaches,” the statement read.
According to the rail operator, two locomotives and two utility coaches were lost in the incident. The company credited the train’s safety systems for preventing a more serious outcome.
“The automatic brake system stopped the train to prevent further damage,” the company said.
Rovos Rail Tours confirmed that the two fatalities were members of the railway crew: the train driver and a pilot from TransNamib.
“However, it is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of our Rovos Driver and the TransNamib Pilot. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues."
The company emphasised that no passengers or other staff members were injured in the accident.
“We can confirm that there were no injuries sustained by any passengers or other Rovos Rail staff members."
Emergency contingency plans activated shortly after the derailment. Buses were arranged to transport passengers to Upington, where they were scheduled to board onward flights to Cape Town.
“Buses have been arranged to transport guests to Upington from where they will be flown to Cape Town. We sincerely regret this occurrence but, rest assured, the safety and well-being of our guests and staff is paramount,” the statement added.
Rovos Rail is a private railway company operating out of Capital Park Station in Pretoria, which runs its train-hotel to a regular schedule on various routes throughout Southern Africa, from South Africa to Namibia and Tanzania.