Authorities are investigating the cause behind yet another train fire which resulted in a carriage and a platform at Koeberg Train Station being damaged on Tuesday morning.
Metrorail spokesperson, Riana Scott, says swift action by firefighters resulted in only one carriage being damaged and no commuters or staff being injured.
City Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Theo Layne, says two fire engines, one water tanker and one rescue vehicle, along with 14 firefighters were dispatched to the scene.
FIRE: Koeberg station staff reported yet another train on fire shortly after 9am. Video: Supplied
Scott says: “Koeberg station staff reported yet another train on fire shortly after 9am.
“The preliminary reports confirm there were no injuries. The swift reaction of response teams extinguished the fire quickly, containing the damage to one carriage.”
She says various trains were rerouted as platforms 1, 3 and 4 at Koeberg station were operational while the damage to platform 2 would now be assessed.
“Mop-up crews will move in as soon as the SAPS and forensic teams have concluded their on-site investigation. The train will be taken to a depot for Prasa’s loss adjusters to assess the extent of the damage and the cost of replacing the burnt passenger carriage.”
She says while the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, Metrorail has requested commuters to be vigilant at all times and to immediately report any suspicious activity or smell of accelerants, like petrol, to station or security staff.
Last month Metrorail recorded three train torchings in just eight days.
Two of the incidents occurred at Cape Town Train Station, which affected four platforms.
On 31 July, just as platforms 13 and 14 were reopened, Metrorail staff caught a man attempting to set alight an empty train stationed at the adjoining platform 11.
“The employees managed to extinguish the fire set to one of the carriage seats before significant damage could be done,” says Scott.
The suspect has been charged with malicious damage to property.
She says anyone with any information or visual material of any train fire is requested to submit it to police and a reward of up to R25 000 is payable for information securing a successful conviction.