“The whole train was dark as a result of the fire that only affected or injured the driver, says the source, who said they were only 2 hours to reach Cape Town Station.
“Imagined what could have happened had we been sleeping and not heard the alert of the fire?” he asked worriedly.
“We’re now on busses ferrying us to Cape Town and we hope our luggage’s won’t be lost. Thankfully no one was injured,” continued the source last night during telephonic interview.
Lesedi Mapheto, spokesperson for Prasa Rail did confirm the fire and said the damage was as a result of mechanical problem at Soetendal.
“We’re still awaiting further report on the damage and the injuries sustained as well as the actual cause of the fire.”
“Fortunately, none of the guests and staff were affected or any of their belongings damaged by the fire. But the train has arrived at the Cape Town Station,” says Mapheto, this morning.
The extend of the fire and seriousness of injuries by the driver were not determined at the time of publishing.
Prasa is one of the CTIJF sponsors.