Transnet has completed its investigation into incidents which led to the suspension of the Blue Train service, paving the way for it to resume “imminently”, the parastatal announced on Monday.

Transnet spokesperson Ayanda Shezi said management had decided to temporarily suspend the Blue Train’s operations as a “precautionary measure” in February following three serious incidents that had impacted its services over several months.

These included a derailment on November 7, 2021 when 19 empty coaches derailed at the Union Station Loop in Germiston, and a second derailment on January 16 this year at the Blue Train’s maintenance depot in Salvokop. A fire later broke on one of the coaches, which was among those that had been derailed, while it was in the workshop for repairs. 

“There were no passengers or crew on board the train during any of the three incidents and no fatalities were reported. Transnet has also conducted a full review of safety and operational procedures, focusing on risks to the overall Blue Train service, and is confident that all safety critical issues have been attended to during the suspension of the service,” Shezi said.

“Safety is of paramount importance for the staff and passengers on the Blue Train,” she said.

She added that a test train run to ensure its readiness to resume services had recently been successful.

Further details on resumption of service will be communicated in coming days.