A man narrowly escaped his car unharmed just before it was hit by an oncoming train at a railway crossing in Cape Town. (Santokh Kochar/Getty Images/Stockbyte)
A man managed to escape unharmed after he jumped out of a car just seconds before it was hit by a train at a level crossing in the Table Bay Harbour Railway Yard in Cape Town on Saturday.
It’s alleged the man was trying to cross the railway line at a recognised level crossing as the Ceres Rail Company train was approaching at about 08:00.
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The Ceres Rail Company said in a statement that the man proceeded to drive onto the tracks despite the train’s warning whistles and the efforts of a level crossing protection team who were signalling the vehicle to stop.
“Realising the vehicle was unable to clear the crossing in time, the driver attempted to reverse but stalled the vehicle,” Ceres Rail Company general manager Rick Botha said.
Botha said, upon realising that the train was getting closer, the man jumped out of his car mere seconds before the train collided with it.
“Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the accident. However, the motor vehicle driver is being treated for shock.”
The company said a full investigation is under way, involving various stakeholders.
Due to the accident, the remainder of the train’s journey had been cancelled.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate the public’s understanding as we work to resolve the situation,” the company added.
