South Africa’s trains are significantly safer than its roads. Unfortunately, given our abysmal road safety, that isn’t saying a lot. Every year, an unacceptably high number of people are injured or killed in train-related incidents.
The State of Safety Report from the Railway Safety Regulator offers an overview of the latest statistics on train accidents in South Africa.
Safety levels differ markedly across the country and on lines within a region, with certain train lines significantly more dangerous than others.
Security-related incidents on South African trains
According to the report, more than one person dies every week as a result of security-related incidents on South African trains. In the reporting year 2023 to 2024, 74 people died and 98 were injured.
Though shocking, this number is unsurprising given the alarming number of security-related incidents on our trains and at stations. In the past 12 months, there were 7,420 security-related incidents.
This number equates to 20 events each day – 94% of which were acts of theft or vandalism. Quite simply, our trains are unsafe.
Fatalities and injuries due to operational incidents on trains
As well as these security-related deaths and injuries, 85 people died and 181 were injured during 2,496 “operational occurrences” on trains.
These deaths and injuries had various causes, including collisions during the movement of rolling stock (687), derailments (278), people being struck by moving trains (126), fires and explosions (697) and pantograph hook-ups (358).
What the numbers don’t include are deaths and injuries that occurred at level crossings or due to direct collisions. A further 64 deaths and 49 injuries happened after people were struck by trains.
Hazardous level crossings
While the number of incidents at level crossings has declined over the past four years, there were still six fatalities and 50 injuries recorded in the year 2023 to 2024.
There are many reasons why accidents occur at level crossings, including:
- lack of awareness of a level crossing
- distraction/inattention
- failure of level-crossing equipment
- a second train unexpectedly approaching.
However, the majority of incidents occur as a result of road users ignoring the warning of approaching trains.
The State of Safety Report acknowledges that the warning devices provided at level crossings “varies depending on location and usage”. In some places, there are simple signs; in others, full barriers with sophisticated object detection.
A large proportion of level crossing deaths and injuries took place in three provinces, the Western Cape (24%), Mpumalanga (19%) and North West (17%).
Compensation for injury on trains in South Africa
If you’ve been injured as a result of a train incident in South Africa, you may be entitled to compensation. You can make a claim to cover past and future medical expenses, as well as past and future loss of earnings.
The compensation awarded will depend on the circumstances of the case. Factors that are likely to affect pay-outs for train accidents include the nature and extent of any negligence on the part of the operator, plus the severity and long-term consequences of your injuries.
The outcome of the case and the amount awarded will depend on the expertise and dedication of your legal team.
How DSC Attorneys can help if you are injured in a train accident
DSC Attorneys specialises in personal injury claims, including claims for train accidents in South Africa.
Our personal injury attorneys and medico-legal team can assess your claim, help prepare supporting evidence and represent you in legal proceedings, giving you the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis.
