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| SA train crash kills farm workers | |
| (about 6 hours later) | |
| At least 27 people have been killed in South Africa after a train collided with a truck carrying farm workers, the South African Press Association says. | At least 27 people have been killed in South Africa after a train collided with a truck carrying farm workers, the South African Press Association says. |
| The truck was crossing rail tracks near Somerset West, just outside Cape Town, when the accident happened shortly before 0800 local time (0600 GMT). | The truck was crossing rail tracks near Somerset West, just outside Cape Town, when the accident happened shortly before 0800 local time (0600 GMT). |
| At least six other workers were injured in the crash. Three were in a critical condition, paramedics said. | At least six other workers were injured in the crash. Three were in a critical condition, paramedics said. |
| Witnesses said the truck stalled at a level crossing, which had no barriers. | Witnesses said the truck stalled at a level crossing, which had no barriers. |
| The rail company, Metrorail, said no-one on the train was hurt, but many of the passengers were suffering from shock. | The rail company, Metrorail, said no-one on the train was hurt, but many of the passengers were suffering from shock. |
| 'Bang and smoke' | 'Bang and smoke' |
| More than 30 people - workers from a local wine farm - were travelling on the truck, paramedics said. | More than 30 people - workers from a local wine farm - were travelling on the truck, paramedics said. |
| EYEWITNESS We saw that the front part of the train was now the back part of the lorry Stevlan Meyer, 22, commuter 'We saw bodies everywhere' | |
| An eyewitness, Ray Weyer, said passengers on the train heard a bang and saw smoke. | An eyewitness, Ray Weyer, said passengers on the train heard a bang and saw smoke. |
| "They all descended from the train and walked toward the nearest station," he told South African radio. | "They all descended from the train and walked toward the nearest station," he told South African radio. |
| The train was bound for Cape Town and Metrorail say rail services on that line will be suspended for several hours. | The train was bound for Cape Town and Metrorail say rail services on that line will be suspended for several hours. |
| Last year, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said the number of level crossing accidents in South Africa was unacceptable. | Last year, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said the number of level crossing accidents in South Africa was unacceptable. |
| Have you been affected by the crash? Did you see what happened? Send us your comments using the form below. | Have you been affected by the crash? Did you see what happened? Send us your comments using the form below. |
| Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video | Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video |