Two killed after luxury train derails

A LUXURY train carrying foreign tourists, most of them Americans, sped out of control and derailed yesterday, killing two crew members.

Rail officials advised passengers and crew to jump from the train after applying the brakes failed to work.

The Rovos Rail service was close to Pretoria when it stopped for a routine change from an electric to a steam locomotive, said Nothemba Dlali of Metro Rail.

She said the train began moving after the electric locomotive was removed but before the steam engine could be attached, and gathered speed down a slope.

Seventeen coaches derailed said Johan Pieterse of the capital's community safety department. He said two people died at the scene.