TransNamib trains collide at Wilhelmstal

TWO TransNamib trains collided at Wilhelmstal station, between Okahandja and Karibib, at around 02h30 yesterday morning.

The usual procedure for trains approaching a station is to slow down and stop before the tracks are changed. One of the trains, travelling from Swakopmund to Windhoek, failed to do so.It was carrying 23 passengers, but mostly freight.All of the passengers were taken to hospital “as a precautionary measure”, said Jack Dempsey, General Manager of Operations for TransNamib.”Train traffic is running normally again,” Dempsey added.Olivia Kanyemba, public relations officer of TransNamib, confirmed that 18 people were taken to Usakos Hospital and seven to Windhoek by E-Med Rescue 24 and State ambulances.These figures include the two drivers.Wilhelmina Kahimbi (31), a passenger on the train, said: “I hardly felt the collision because I was asleep, but I was very confused when I woke up.I was in the hospital for treatment, but they sent me away again.But my back is still aching now.I will have to go see my doctor next week.”One of the trains, travelling from Swakopmund to Windhoek, failed to do so.It was carrying 23 passengers, but mostly freight.All of the passengers were taken to hospital “as a precautionary measure”, said Jack Dempsey, General Manager of Operations for TransNamib.”Train traffic is running normally again,” Dempsey added.Olivia Kanyemba, public relations officer of TransNamib, confirmed that 18 people were taken to Usakos Hospital and seven to Windhoek by E-Med Rescue 24 and State ambulances.These figures include the two drivers.Wilhelmina Kahimbi (31), a passenger on the train, said: “I hardly felt the collision because I was asleep, but I was very confused when I woke up.I was in the hospital for treatment, but they sent me away again.But my back is still aching now.I will have to go see my doctor next week.”