Another Metrorail train was set alight on Wednesday near Ottery Station in Cape Town. One person was burned beyond recognition, and four others injured in the suspected arson attack.
The City’s fire services spokesperson Theo Layne said a body was found in one of the gutted coaches of the train near Ottery station. Rescuers do not know if the victim is a man or a woman because of how badly they are burnt.
Riana Scott, Metrorail spokesperson, said the fire started at about 8.48am. Passengers were quickly evacuated and the burning carriages were decoupled from the train to contain the fire. Emergency services arrived at the scene and the overhead power was switched off, the Cape Flats line is temporarily closed for police to conduct an investigation.
In a separate incident, on May 22, a moving train was set alight. The Simon’s Town train was engulfed in flames as it pulled into a station. Passengers aboard the train had to be evacuated at Retreat Station. Two carriages were gutted, and two adjoining carriages suffered minor damages.
Police are investigating the matter and suspect arson. Metrorail has offered a reward of R25 000 for information relating to Wednesday’s incident.
Cape Town #TrainFire #MetroRail train burning at Ottery – Cape Flats Line trains are currently suspended pic.twitter.com/1uY3Ev6Mya
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) May 30, 2018
Picture: Supplied/City of Cape Town