Soweto train accident leaves hundreds injured

A train collision in Soweto Thursday left hundreds of people injured in the biggest rail accident in recent years, a Johannesburg emergency services spokesman said.

“About 300 people have been injured, we have requested more ambulances to help transport people to hospitals. Two have been airlifted to hospital but no one has died,” said spokesman Synock Matobako.

The accident occurred around 7:00 pm (1700GMT) as hundreds of people who rely on public transport were heading home.

Both trains were going in the same direction when one train rammed into a stationary coach which had stopped at a red light, hitting it in the rear, according to Matobako.

The wagons did not derail.

“This is the biggest incident in recent years, even though no one has died. People sustained serious multiple injuries,” said Matobako.