12 Jan 2020

Ministry of Transport and Communications says a board of enquiry to investigate circumstances leading to the derailment of Botswana Railways passenger train 0501/BD549 commences public hearings at Cresta Hotel in Mahalapye today.  

The hearing, which ends on January 24, start from 9am to 4pm.

A statement from the ministry says this is in accordance with section 10 of the Railway (Accident Inquiry) Act.

The board comprises chairperson, Mr Olefile Moakofi, Messers Gofaone Morweng, Eutlwetse Chimidza, Batholomew Seithamo, Wilson Molebatsi, Moses Bagayi, Nyaladzani Daniel and Dr Enoch Ogunmuyiwa.

The public hearings follows a train accident that occurred between Pallaroad and Mahalapye on December 10, 2019 in which two BR crew members lost their lives. 

The BR Express train derailed near Bonwapitse River while enroute from Gaborone to Francistown.

 About 400 passengers were evacuated safely. 

Briefing the media after the accident, Transport and Communications Minister, Mr Thulagano Segokgo assured the nation that the facts relating to the accident would be availed once investigations had been carried out.  

Members of the public are invited to attend. 

For more information public members can contact Ms Oageletse Boapotswe on 3612013 or Mr Sakaiyo Baitshepi on 4717116 or email: mtcpro@gov.bw. Ends