Police are investigating a case of damage to infrastructure after ten train coaches were set alight between Woodstock and Cape Town railway stations Tuesday night.

According to information, the coaches that were set alight were previously torched.

Police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk said: “Train coaches parked on the train line between Woodstock and Cape Town Railway Station. These train coaches had been burned in previous incidents.

“Ten of these train coaches burned on March 11 at 9.15pm. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. No injuries were reported during the fire. No suspects are known at this stage. A case of damage to infrastructure was registered at Cape Town Central SAPS.”

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) spokesperson, Zinobulali Mihi, confirmed they are investigating the matter.

“We are aware of (Tuesday) night’s fire. We are currently investigating the incident,” said Mihi.

City Fire Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said they attended to the blaze at 9.10pm.

“Following an initial assessment, the first arriving crews called in additional resources, including a type 4 Incident Management Team (IMT), to coordinate operations. Firefighters also called on Prasa to avail a technician to isolate the electricity supply so that firefighting efforts could proceed safely.

“The fire was extinguished just before midnight – several coaches were affected. No injuries were reported, and the cause is yet to be established,” said Carelse.

Meanwhile, Prasa confirmed enhanced rail services on the northern line between Cape Town and Strand. Metrorail Western Cape announced the introduction of additional trains.

The rail operator said the enhancement is part of their ongoing efforts to improve rail services to provide a “reliable, efficient and safe commuting experience”.

Some of the trains that were terminating in Bellville are now extended to Cape Town.

According to Prasa, this was due to urgent requests by commuters on online platforms for additional trains. This additional operation is set to increase frequency and reduce waiting times, improved reliability and punctuality, Prasa added.

It is also expected to enhance capacity to accommodate growing passenger demand and better connectivity and accessibility for commuters travelling to and from work and school.

Anyone with information on the fire can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 0860010111, or SMS Crime Line on 32211.

Cape Times

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