| Posted by Dana M. on October 14, 2014 | |
Great capture of a tragic act of vandalism James. Interesting that you were there to catch the aftermath, and thankfully no one was seriously injured or killed - and the locomotive was spared fatal damage as well. However, from your description I am guessing that "due to sleeper theft of several wooden sleepers in the cutting.." refers to vandalism of ties being removed from under the rails? Could you please explain this terminology for me in clearer terms? Thank you. Again, happy to hear there were no fatal injuries or damage in this unfortunate accident.
|
Correct, Dana. Unfortunately wooden ties (sleepers) are an easy target for criminals seeking a quick buck. Given that many of South Africa's lines now have concrete ties, wooden ties are often sold to furniture or garden shops where they serve a variety of needs.
|
Sleepers are actually wooden ties placed under the rails.
|
It's just beyond belief how wreckless and selfish people can be regardless of what part of the world you bare witness to such atrocities. Glad to hear details of the aftermath were short of tragic.
|
That is more than just a derailment.
|