Two trains caught alight at Cape Town Railway station on Tuesday afternoon. Three carriages on both trains went up in flames on platforms 17 and 18, respectively. Power was isolated on the affected platforms to minimise the damage.
There are reports that offices above the train station deck are also on fire. Firefighters on scene are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.
Four fire engines, one water tanker and a rescue vehicle with 24 firefighters have been deployed to bring the fire under control.
“Regional train service was temporarily suspended following fire incident at Cape Town station to allow the smoke to clear. Platforms 13 – 21 remain closed for the afternoon peak. Extended travel time of 60+ mins,” Metrorail informed commuters via its Twitter account.
At least two #metrorail train are on fire at the Cape Town Train Station. This will impact hundreds of commuters. pic.twitter.com/Cee6TpEQX5
— Amanda Gcanga (@AmandaGcanga) October 9, 2018
Another fire at the Cape Town train station. A step backwards for government, trains are expensive ?? pic.twitter.com/9Q70zk1JDq
— Mary-Jane Mphahlele (@Mary_JaneSA) October 9, 2018
Second train just went up in smoke today. Since the beginning of the year this has cost 93 million in damages. #CapeTown #capetownstation #metrorail #fire pic.twitter.com/i6Ep4NY54I
— Sue Taylor (@SooshiSue) October 9, 2018
Train on fire again at Cape Town station? #Prasa pic.twitter.com/oIdLbUcJsY
— Virginia Greenwood (@virginiagr) October 9, 2018
Picture and Video: Twitter and supplied