One common safety issue with South Africa’s passenger trains is doors that fail to close, on one or both sides of train carriages.
This puts commuters at risk of falling or being pushed from the trains, at stations and while they’re in motion.
Recent claims for injuries due to commuters being pushed off trains
In March 2025, the courts ordered PRASA to pay R6.1 million in damages to a commuter who suffered traumatic brain injury after being pushed from a moving train.
In another recent case, a man was pushed off a moving train after a group of gangsters caused passengers to panic and surge towards him. The train doors had malfunctioned and were stuck open.
In 2024, the Western Cape High Court ruled in favour of the plaintiff, ordering PRASA to pay 100% of his damages.
DSC Attorneys victory in Supreme Court appeal involving a man pushed from a train
In a landmark case, DSC Attorneys secured a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling in favour of a man who was attacked by a group of robbers and thrown from an open door on a train in Stellenbosch.
The initial damages claim was ruled in his favour but PRASA successfully appealed the ruling in the Western Cape Division of the High Court.
DSC Attorneys then took the case to the Supreme Court, where it was ruled that PRASA was negligent and liable for the plaintiff’s damages.
PRASA subsequently paid the man R6.5 million in damages.
A persistent safety issue on Metrorail/PRASA trains
The problem of open doors presenting a hazard to train passengers isn’t a new one. Over the past decade, PRASA has paid hundreds of millions in compensation to people injured after falling through open doors on moving trains.
Other notable recent claims for being pushed off moving trains
In February 2023, the courts awarded Thuthukani Mtshali compensation of R2,120,450 for injuries sustained after being pushed through an open door on a moving train.
In the same month, the courts found PRASA 100% liable for the damages sustained by Sphamandla Mthethwa, who was seriously injured after being pushed through open train doors.
In May 2023, the Gauteng High Court ordered PRASA to pay a 21-year-old woman R9,480,678 after she fell when attempting to board a train. The train started to move away but pressure from crowds prevented the woman from stepping back – and she fell under the train.
In June 2024, the Gauteng High court ordered PRASA to pay R1,140,000 in general damages (other compensation had been settled previously) to a man who suffered “devastating” brain injuries.
This is just a small selection of many recent PRASA claims from passengers pushed off South African trains.
PRASA’s obligation to protect passengers
PRASA, and Metrorail by extension, have an obligation to ensure that trains, railway lines, stations and rail infrastructure – including signalling and railway booms – are safe and in good condition.
This obligation means that PRASA or Metrorail must ensure that train doors are always closed while the train is in motion and that only the doors facing the platform open when the train stops at a station.
Metrorail/PRASA liability for injuries due to falls from trains
If PRASA or Metrorail fail to ensure safety measures are in place and someone falls or is pushed from the train and is injured, PRASA or Metrorail may be found liable for damages.
What compensation can be claimed?
Claimants can potentially claim for a number of damages. These include:
- loss of income due to time off work
- loss of future earnings due to injuries or disabilities
- current and future medical expenses
- special care needed for mental or physical disabilities
- general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenities of life.
What to do if you have a claim against Metrorail/PRASA
If you believe you have a valid claim against Metrorail or PRASA for injuries sustained after falling from a train, contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Claims of this type have an expiry date (known as a prescription period), so it’s important to start your claim as soon as possible after the incident.
An attorney experienced in personal injury claims against Metrorail and PRASA will tell you if your claim is worth pursuing. The attorney can also advise you on the next steps and help you gather evidence to support your claim.
Help with a claim against Metrorail/PRASA
At DSC Attorneys, we have extensive experience dealing with claims against Metrorail and PRASA. We will be able to assess your claim and help you prepare your case to give you the best chance of winning.
Contact us online or call 0861 465 879 to request a free consultation where we can assess your claim. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis so you can pursue a claim without worrying about the cost of a court case.
