TransNamib has launched an investigation into the derailment of a train on Thursday evening, some 40km outside Aus, which took the lives of two employees.

The 48-year-old train driver Freddie van Tura and his assistant 61-year-old Andreas Alute succumbed to their injuries when the manganese carrier they were on board derailed from the rail track between Aus and Lüderitz.

The locomotive was pulling 20 wagons.

“A train assistant and trainee, who were part of the crew, sustained head, leg and back injuries, but they are, however, receiving the needed medical attention,” said the company’s spokesperson, Abigail Raubenheimer. 

She said, soon after the accident, TransNamib activated an emergency response plan according to the company’s protocols.

“TransNamib deeply regrets the unfortunate incident and expressed its sincere condolences to the affected families, who are now receiving the needed support,” said Raubenheimer.

Speculations that a third staff member in that accident had also passed away have been denied by Raubenheimer and Nampol //Kharas regional commander Marius Katamila.

Towards the end of February this year, the company registered a derailment of two locomotives and one wagon about 50 kilometres outside Lüderitz. 

The train was carrying a total of 22 wagons of manganese, with only one wagon derailing, causing minor spillage of the product. 

Three employees who were on board sustained injuries. 

At the time, Raubenheimer said any derailment is an immense concern for the national rail service provider, especially in light of its current challenges in terms of capacity. 

“It delays our progress in terms of the transformation strategy,” she stated.

TransNamib is already in a challenging financial position due to its short-term cash flow position and limited rolling stock capacity.\

- sklukowski@nepc.com.na