KIMBERLEY – South Africa’s iconic luxury passenger train, the Blue Train, came under attack from stone-throwers near Kimberley, leaving passengers shaken but unharmed as windows were damaged on one of its exclusive coaches.
Transnet Freight Rail confirmed that the incident occurred in Kimberley in the Northern Cape on Friday 14 November, while the train had briefly halted for a scheduled excursion to the Mine Museum, where the historic Big Hole is situated.
“During the shunting process, stones were thrown at the train, resulting in damage to windows on one of the coaches,” said a Transnet spokesperson. “We can confirm that there were no injuries to passengers or train crew.”
The train, renowned worldwide for its five-star luxury experience and frequently used by international tourists and dignitaries, was able to continue its journey after emergency repairs were made to the damaged windows.
Staff aboard the Blue Train reportedly moved quickly to calm concerned passengers and ensure their safety following the attack of the stone-throwers.
Maintaining high safety standards
Transnet officials revealed that while they coordinate safety measures with Transnet Security and the South African Police Service in known trouble spots, this specific area in Kimberley had not previously been classified as a hotspot for the Blue Train.
“We conduct ongoing safety awareness campaigns in schools and communities to educate the public about the dangers and consequences of such actions,” the spokesperson added.
The Blue Train, which travels between Pretoria and Cape Town on a 1 600-kilometre journey through some of South Africa’s most spectacular landscapes, has long been considered one of the world’s most luxurious rail experiences.
Transnet has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high safety standards, treating such incidents with the “utmost seriousness” while ensuring passenger safety and comfort.
Local authorities are investigating the incident, though no arrests have been reported.
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