Metrorail train goes up in flames at Steenberg Station

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Metrorail regional spokesperson, Riana Scott confirmed that a fire was reported at 2:50pm on board a Fish Hoek-bound train at Steenberg Station.

She said preliminary feedback from the scene indicated that three carriages had sustained damages and commuters on board were safely evacuated with no injuries being reported. Cape Town - Yet another Metrorail train has been set alight at the Steenberg Station. This is the third train to go in flames in less than a month.









City Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Theo Layne, said: "The cause has not been determined."





Layne said two fire engines, two water tankers and rescue vehicle with 16 Firefighters were on the scene.





Scott added that the damaged carriages will be taken to the depot for further investigation and assessment by Passenger Rail Agency for SA’s (Prasa) loss adjusters.





“The cause of the fire and estimate of damage will be assessed during post-incident investigations,” she said.





Metrorail implemented alternative operational arrangements, until the scene was cleared and police had completed their investigation.





“Simon’s Town trains from Cape Town terminate at Retreat. There will be a single line operation from Retreat to Fish Hoek; and a bus shuttle from Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town,” she said.





The scene was to remain concealed for at least three to four hours.









Scott urged anyone with information or footage of the event to provide it to police. She stated that all reports will be investigated and treated in strictest confidence.





“Rewards of up to R25 000 are payable for information leading to successful convictions,” she said.









Meanwhile, in a similar incident in Ottery over two weeks ago; a female commuter died, four others were injured and another woman sustained serious burns to the face.





The fire had started from the driver’s section and spread towards other sections of the train.





Firefighters said it was a suspected arson attack.





At the time Transport Minister, Blade Nzimande was called to account for the alleged arson attacks on train carriages in the Western Cape. Just a week a before the Ottery incident, another train was torched near Retreat station.





DA councillor Nceba Hinana said Nzimande should inform South Africans about what is being done to make public transport safer for commuters, as the attacks reflect the Prasa’s “inability to beef up security for its commuters and infrastructure”.





@Zoey_Dano







