A train at Cape Town Station is reportedly on fire, according to a number of eyewitness reports.
Twitter users on Friday afternoon uploaded pictures showing plumes of black smoke rising from within the station precinct.
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#capetown @CapeTownTrains on fire, again #trainfire #fixourtrains pic.twitter.com/GGtEkwiN4I
— Jodi Allemeier (@urbanjodi) September 28, 2018
@CapeTownTrains trains burning on Cape Town Station? pic.twitter.com/0dhVzVyale
— Amgelica_Davids (@That_Amgelica) September 28, 2018
@CapeTownTrains train on fire
pic.twitter.com/k4s2IDt2wE — Shane Arm (@arm_armshane) September 28, 2018
Train set alight at the Cape Town Station. So irritating when people destroy public services pic.twitter.com/LALwBlxwQF
— Scott Ortlepp (@SOrtlepp) September 28, 2018
Some reported scenes from within the station itself, suggesting that platforms one, two and three are affected. These platforms generally host trains from the Southern Line, which service’s Cape Town’s southern suburbs.
I’m at Cape Town station and this is what is happening right now pic.twitter.com/h48f8hq4Cv
— Manzayabila Gxowa (@GIFT_YANGA) September 28, 2018
Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille confirmed the incident.
“So sad every time this happens. Another train set alight at Cape Town station. There is no justification for this crime and vandalism that impacts people who need this transport most,” she tweeted.
So sad every time this happens. Another train set alight at Cape Town station. There is no justification for this crime and vandalism that impacts people who need this transport most. pic.twitter.com/zQU9VU59jb
— Patricia de Lille (@PatriciaDeLille) September 28, 2018
Three train fires reported in Cape Town today
This isn’t the only train fire reported in Cape Town today either.
Earlier on Friday, a train at Mbekweni Station in Paarl caught fire, which brought schedule changes and delays to the Northern Line.
A shooting incident allegedly took place aboard the train, Metrorail’s statement read, but no injuries were reported.
“SAPS, Metrorail Protection Services, a forensic team, Fire and Rescue, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) and Train Operations crews remain on-site for the requisite investigations,” the statement added.
Another fire was reported at Firgrove, near Somerset West.
Train alight at Firgrove station @HeartFMNews @TeamNews24 @ewnreporter @CapeTownTrains pic.twitter.com/fiZ4aamRaF
— Navan Nemo Coetzee (@navan_nemo) September 28, 2018
Cape Town train’s management nor PRASA has yet issued a statement or update on the incident at Cape Town Station.
It’s also not yet clear what caused the fire, or the extent of the damage.
Tweets from Metrorail’s official Twitter account in the region does suggest that trains — even on the Southern Line — are still scheduled to depart the station.
#Trainreport #SouthernLineCT : T0185 is scheduled to depart from platform 6.
— Metrorail W/Cape (@CapeTownTrains) September 28, 2018
This is a breaking story. Expect frequent updates as news develops.
Feature image: Memeburn
