Inter-city passenger train services in South Africa offer a less extensive network of routes than they once did, but some long-distance passenger services continue to operate.
All rail operators are responsible for protecting the safety of their passengers. Anyone who’s injured in a long-distance train accident may be able to claim compensation.
Claims for injuries in South African train accidents
Injuries sustained in train accidents can be serious, even life changing. But there is legal recourse.
Passengers and staff who suffer harm as a result of an accident, and families of deceased victims, may be entitled to claim compensation from the responsible party.
In rail-related accidents, the operator is typically held liable for damages.
Claimable damages can include past and future medical costs, current and future loss of earnings, and general damages for pain and suffering.
In accidents involving Metrorail and Gautrain commuter services, claims are directed against the state-owned Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and the Bombela Operating Company (BOC).
Longer-distance passenger services, such as the Blue Train, Shosholoza Meyl and Rovos Rail, are run by Transnet Freight Rail, PRASA, and the privately-owned company, Rovos Rail, respectively.
Rovos Rail accidents
Rovos Rail, a family-owned long-distance carrier service, is defined by elegance and luxury.
It operates high-end train safaris to destinations throughout South and southern Africa, including Cape Town, Eswatini, Victoria Falls, Namibia and Dar es Salaam.
Runaway carriages in Rovos Rail accident
Incidents involving the carrier are rare. However, in April 2010, coaches carrying 59 passengers and 40 staff members were decoupled during a routine locomotive changeover. They ran out of control and derailed. Three people were killed, and nine others were seriously injured.
An initial investigation suggested insufficient braking power as the cause of the accident.
Collision with freight train
A second accident occurred on the Beitbridge to Bulawayo line in Zimbabwe in April 2025.
The train, en route to the Victoria Falls, derailed after colliding with a freight train.
No fatalities or serious injuries were reported but four staff members were admitted to a hospital for minor bumps, lacerations and bruises.
Accidents on the Shosholoza Meyl
The Shosholoza Meyl is a long-distance rail service operated by PRASA. It once had a much more extensive network, but now runs scheduled trains between Johannesburg and two cities, East London and Durban.
Apart from the Gautrain and luxury trains like Rovos Rail and the Blue Train, it is the country’s only inter-city train service.
Recently, the passenger service has been plagued by accidents.
Poorly maintained track causes PE train derailment
In 2014, a train carrying 222 passengers derailed as it entered Port Elizabeth.
It was caused by poorly maintained infrastructure. A portion of the track came apart, causing the train to derail.
Multiple fatalities due to truck driver’s botched attempt at level crossing
In 2018, a catastrophic collision between a train and a truck caused multiple deaths.
The incident, which occurred when the truck driver ignored the warning signs at a level crossing, left 21 people dead and 254 injured. Many of the victims were burnt to death.
A subsequent investigation found:
- the crew had no safety training
- the number of fire extinguishers on board was inadequate
- vinyl seating and cabin exteriors weren’t fire-resistant.
Factors like this are typically solid grounds for negligence claims.
The truck driver was charged with manslaughter at the accident scene.
Excessive speed and safety contraventions get Shosholoza Meyl pulled off the tracks
In 2020, following a collision between the Shosholoza Meyl and a goods train, the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) ordered PRASA to immediately stop its long-distance operations. One person died and several were injured.
Further investigations revealed that the train was travelling at twice the permitted speed at the time of the impact.
It also found that the manual authorisation, giving both trains permission to be on the line, had not been countersigned by a section manager, as required by the RSR.
PRASA’s systemic problems lead to long delays
Although limited operations were resumed in 2022, a chronic shortage of locomotives and aging and unreliable rail infrastructure are having a stop-start effect on PRASA’s long-distance rail service.
Passengers are expected to endure cold, uncomfortable carriages, multiple breakdowns and delays of up to eight hours at a time.
Blue Train safety incidents
The Blue Train, 10-time winner of the World Travel Award’s Most Luxurious Train, hasn’t been spared its share of incidents.
Malfunctioning signalling system causes train collision
In 2005, 24 people were injured when the Trans Karoo Express collided with the luxury train.
A signalling failure diverted the Trans Karoo Express onto the same line as the stationary Blue Train.
Blue Train derails prompting temporary suspension of service
In an incident in November 2021, 19 empty coaches derailed while exiting a station. No injuries were reported.
Following a nine-month suspension of services to carry out a full technical assessment, the Blue Train resumed operations in August 2022.
Why specialist attorneys are the key to successful train accident claims
Proving liability lies at the heart of all successful damages claims.
This involves gathering evidence, consulting medico-legal and technical experts, and notifying the relevant rail operator of the intent to pursue a claim within a legally mandated timeframe.
DSC Attorneys is a specialist personal injury law firm with extensive experience in handling both long-distance and Metrorail commuter train accidents.
Contact DSC Attorneys now to determine the merits of your claim. We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis.
