Cape Town - The Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) has urged motorists to take extra caution at railway crossings.
The warning comes after a motorcyclist was struck by a train near Steenberg station on Thursday morning.
The incident, caught on CCTV camera, shows a train approaching the crossing, when the motorcyclist, with a white top box, appears and seems hesitant at first to cross while the boom gate is still down.
In the footage, the biker is seen edging forward, which is when he collides with the front of an oncoming train on the right-hand side track.
Footage shared across Facebook shortly after the incident shows bystanders attending to the driver, who was found lying on the ground nearby.
The extent of the motorcyclist’s injuries is unknown He was believed been transported to hospital. The train was travelling from Fish Hoek station to Cape Town, according to Zino Mihi, a spokesperson for Prasa, who confirmed the incident.
She said that following the collision, Prasa is investigating the incident. “We are aware of the Steenberg level crossing incident. The incident is under investigation. Prasa WC wishes the motorcyclist a speedy recovery,” Mihi said.
Police are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving, said police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk. “Kirstenhof SAPS has registered a reckless and negligent driving case for investigation following an accident on Thursday at about 9.15am.
“According to reports, the driver of the motorbike crossed the railway line near Kirstenhof railway station and was hit by the train,” he said.
Van Wyk further revealed that the driver is currently in hospital receiving medical treatment while the investigation continues.
Prasa has advised motorists to use additional caution when utilising crossings.
Mihi said there are already several campaigns running to educate drivers and young children on this.
“Yes, we have signs at level crossings. We further conduct rail and road safety campaigns at level crossings, schools, on-board the trains, stations and in communities that we serve,” Mihi added.
Cape Argus