Cops are investigating the cause of a fire after a train carriage was set alight at Retreat Station on Wednesday night.
Just before 10pm, Fire and Rescue Services were alerted and managed to contain the flames.
Fire and Rescue spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, says no injuries were reported.
“Lakeside and Wynberg fire crews were
confronted with a single carriage alight and managed to contain the spread of the fire after the electricity was isolated.
“The fire was extinguished shortly after 12am. No persons were on board the train. The scene was handed over to SAPS,” Carelse said.
Metrorail’s Regional Manager, Richard Walker, says the cost of damage is yet to be calculated.
“The train set was back in service this morning [Thursday],” Walker added.
Transport and Public Works MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela says he will meet with Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula next week to try and find a solution to the arson.
“I am deeply concerned by the frequency of these fires which endanger commuters’ lives, and contribute to increased congestion on our roads as commuters are forced to make use of taxis and buses, which are intended to be feeder forms of transport from and to trains,” Madikizela said.
No arrests have been made at this stage.