A partially blind and elderly woman was fatally struck by a train at Heathfield Railway Station on Saturday morning.
A community member said that the victim, Edith, was on her way to Newlands to sell feather dusters and brooms when the tragic incident occurred.
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According to IOL, there was a light police presence at the station, and the area was cordoned off.
The incident occurred at 7:15am, according to Pastor Charles White of the Eternal Flame Church, who was at the scene.
“She was rushing to Newlands to sell her feather dusters and brooms when she was hit by a train. She supported her family with the proceeds,” said the pastor, adding that she was partially blind and alleged that the state hospital kept postponing her operation.
According to community members, the broken fence is to blame for the tragic incident.
Community members said that the broken fence along the train track was partly to blame for Edith’s tragic death and said that they have been in correspondence with PRASA to repair the fencing.
“Each year they promise it will be done and the budget will be allocated,” said White, adding that the incident was “tragic and unnecessary,” one of the residents told IOL.
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