GEORGE NEWS - A 28-year-old woman was taken to hospital after being struck by the George Powervan while allegedly walking with three other hikers on the railway tracks yesterday, Saturday 14 November.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Chris Spies confirmed that emergency personnel responded to the incident.
“Information is sketchy, however reports available suggest that she sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment,” Spies said.
According to a message circulated after the incident, the four hikers heard the approaching rail vehicle. Three moved off the tracks, but the woman was struck.
The incident reportedly happened around midday near the first tunnel.
Powervan owner Charl Marais said the woman’s injuries initially appeared serious, but the information available to him suggested she had not sustained any broken bones. He could not provide further details about her condition.
Marais said they regularly issue warnings on social media against walking on the railway tracks and have erected warning signs, which are often vandalised. Despite these efforts, people continue to ignore the warnings and use the tracks.
Train needs stopping distance
Marais appealed to the public to stay off the railway tracks, explaining that the rail vehicle cannot stop immediately.
He said conditions were wet on the day of the incident and the Powervan takes 30 to 40m to stop.
Marais said the line falls within Transnet’s servitude and people walking or running on the tracks could face legal action.
He urged anyone crossing the tracks to check for an approaching train and warned against wearing earbuds or headphones while running, as these could prevent people from hearing it.
“Please be careful and avoid the railway tracks,” he said.
Tracks are not trails
In a public safety notice, George Trails urged residents and visitors to stay off the active railway tracks in the Outeniqua Mountains and surrounding forest areas.
The organisation said the Powervan George railway line remains fully operational, but there has been a concerning increase in hikers, walkers, mountain bikers, photographers and other visitors using the tracks as recreational pathways.
George Trails stressed that the tracks are not hiking, walking or cycling trails and should never be used as shortcuts or places to take photographs.
The message circulated after the incident also reported that another group, including children, was on the tracks about 100m from where the woman was struck.
Visitors were urged to respect railway infrastructure and safety warnings, and use designated trails and approved recreational routes.
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