Elandsfontein train crash caused by human error
A preliminary investigation into the Elandsfontein train collision, during which one person was killed and more than 100 others injured, was not as a result of cable theft alone and a full investigation could result in steps being taken against train operators.
The Railway Safety Regulator has revealed human error is what lead to two trains colliding at Elandsfontein this week, killing one person and injuring more than 100 others.
The tracks on which the incident occurred remained closed until at least Friday afternoon.
A single line and bus service was used to transport commuters between Elandsfontein and Kempton Park since Thursday morning.
Officials from the Passenger Rail Agency (Prasa) had to work under abnormal working conditions - that is to manually authorise the movement of trains - due to an incident of cable theft.
According to a statement by the RSR, cable theft affected the track circuits and signals, which lead to operators directing the trains into the same section, "indicating poor management and unsafe execution of the manual authorisation process".
"People would be held accountable for that," explains the RSR's Madelein Williams.
She adds, however, they will first have to conduct a full investigation into the incident.
"Once the full investigation has been done," explains Williams, "the determination would be made as to, you know, where blame should be apportioned and what action should be taken."
The RSR has meanwhile also issued Prasa' Gauteng Division with a Prohibition Directive.
Williams explains they have noted a number of recent incidents in the province occurred under abnormal working conditions.
Failure to comply with the directive could result in criminal charges or a fine.