PRASA Cato Ridge Service Remains Suspended Following Incident

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) regrets to announce that a side collision between a passenger train and a Transnet Freight train occurred between Hammarsdale and KwaTandaza, KwaZulu Natal, on Thursday, 9 May 2024, at around 19:35.

Due to this incident, the Durban to Cato Ridge line has been suspended until further notice. The commuter train was travelling from Durban to Cato Ridge on the New Mainline corridor when it was side-swiped by the goods train, causing two cars of the commuter train to derail. This collision also damaged an overhead cable mast and a portion of the track. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported and both the onboard security personnel and the commuter train crew have been evaluated.

PRASA prioritises the safety and well-being of all involved. While the cause of the collision has yet to be determined, an investigation is currently underway to establish the reasons behind the incident. The PRASA KZN team is on-site, working on the re-railing of the affected coaches, which will be followed by necessary infrastructure repairs.

Updates regarding the resumption of service will be communicated by PRASA in due course.