Blackheath Train Accident

Eight (8) scholars were declared dead on arrival, when a mini bus taxi and a Metrorail train collided this morning at 7h03 at Buttskop Road, Blackheath. The driver and five (5) scholars were injured leaving one scholar in a critical condition.

According to Metro Emergency Medical Services and Metro Rescue (EMS) on scene, the minibus taxi was transporting scholars to school when the accident happened. Metro EMS arrived on the scene with full technical support and the Jaws of Life.

Four injured scholars were transported to Tygerberg Hospital. They are in a stable condition and have received treatment and counselling. The driver of the vehicle was transported to Kuils River Private Hospital. One critically injured scholar was airlifted to Red Cross Children Hospital with severe head injuries and fractured legs. He will be undergoing a CT scan to determine the extent of the head injury but is in a stable condition.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Tygerberg Forensic Pathology laboratory.

A team of Social Workers from Tygerberg Hospital were sent to the scene, to counsel family and friends of the victims.