By Surihe Gaomas
WINDHOEK
Due to the magnitude of the recent train accident on Tuesday night, TransNamib plans to set up an independent panel of investigators as early as next week.
Late on Tuesday evening TransNamib experienced the worst-ever train accident that cost the life of a locomotive driver, Sydney Bessel Coetzee and left his assistant George Sankandi with broken ribs and head injuries.
The derailment occurred some 15 km south of Windhoek, west of the main road to Rehoboth where the train overturned and spilled the bulk of its 500 tonne ballast that was bound for Windhoek for railway maintenance, from the quarry at the settlement of Aris.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of TransNamib, Rairirira Mbetjiha, said the company’s top management was busy deliberating on the mission for a formal investigation panel that will deal with the investigation promptly.
“For now we are looking at an independent (investigation) panel and due to the magnitude of this accident we will be looking into the market for such experience even South Africa, as soon as possible,” said Mbetjiha.
The panel would scrutinise the extent of damage, the value of assets destroyed, cost implications, the shortfalls and causes of the accident and lessons to be learnt at the end of the day.
As for now, a team of engineers, train operators and technicians are at the scene of the accident, to further fine-comb the area for possible clues and information on the derailment.
The derailed train accident involving a diesel engine and eight wagons occurred around 22h00 on Tuesday night in the vicinity of Heroes’ Acre.
General Manager of Operations, Jack Dempsy, said while the gathering of information at the scene is going on, it is important for formal investigations to get underway soon.
“The information collection includes, for instance, the way we control the running of the trains, the radio conversation and so forth. This is standard procedure. But a formal investigation will be carried out as soon as possible,” explained Dempsy.
The railway track at the scene of the accident has been cleared and normal service has resumed. However, the mangled wagons and engine of the derailed train would be removed over the weekend.