One of Metrorail’s Northern Line trains derailed at Bellville station this morning, with 20 passengers receiving medical treatment for injuries.

Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott says the derailment will cause major delays.

“Metrorail confirms that three carriages of Cape Town-bound train number 3202 derailed on the Kuils River side of Bellville station opposite platform 11. The two passenger trailers and a motor coach derailed at 6.08am,” she says. “Although initially no visible injuries were reported, some 20 passengers have subsequently received medical attention on-site for minor injuries.”

The incident will affect morning peak service as follows:

– Wellington/Kraaifontein trains are to be re-routed via Monte Vista

– Lavistown line trains are temporarily suspended (commuters are advised to find alternative transport for this affected route).

– Running times are expected to increase by -+60 minutes.

“SAPS, ER and Metrorail recovery crews remain on-site to assist passengers and recovery efforts,” Scott says. “Recovery of the derailed carriages and assessment of infrastructure is expected to take several hours and service status updates will continue to be posted to all regional passenger information channels.”

Picture: Keith Adbullah/Twitter

Article written by

Lucinda is a hard news writer who occasionally dabbles in lifestyle writing, and recent journalism graduate. She is a proud intersectional feminist, and is passionate about actively creating a world which is free of discrimination and inequality.