A devastating fire swept through 10 train coaches parked between Woodstock and Cape Town railway stations on Tuesday night, leaving a trail of charred wreckage and raising questions about the cause of the blaze.
The incident, which occurred at 9:15 pm, has sparked an investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
Eyewitness Accounts and Investigation
According to eyewitnesses, the train coaches had been previously damaged in fires, and it is unclear whether the latest blaze was an accident or a deliberate act of vandalism.
Police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk confirmed that no injuries were reported during the fire, and no suspects have been identified at this stage.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has also launched an investigation into the incident, with spokesperson Zinobulali Mihi stating that they are “currently investigating the incident.”
Enhanced Rail Services Introduced
In a separate development, Prasa has announced the introduction of enhanced rail services on the northern line between Cape Town and Strand.
The new services, which include additional trains and extended routes, aim to provide a “reliable, efficient, and safe commuting experience” for passengers.
Call for Information
The SAPS has urged anyone with information about the fire to contact Crime Stop on 0860010111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
