Rescuers retrieve body from truck crash wreckage
The driver of the truck is believed to have lost control of the vehicle which landed on the Gautrain tracks.
PRETORIA - Forensic services have removed the body of the passenger killed during today's truck crash on the Gautrain line in Pretoria.
The driver of the truck was also injured when his vehicle ploughed through concrete barriers this afternoon, landing on the train tracks.
Gautrain services to the Pretoria Hatfield line have been suspended and busses are now being used to transport commuters.
Operations were paused momentarily to remove the body of the passenger who died in this accident.
Tow trucks removed the vehicle from the tracks over the cement barrier.
#TruckCrash The truck is now being lifted up over the barrier. EC pic.twitter.com/orNG4mrlMu
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 20, 2016
#TruckCrash The truck is lying face down over this barrier. EC pic.twitter.com/zHHEJpRYMo
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 20, 2016
Gauteng Transport MEC Ismail Vadi says the driver of the truck lost control of the vehicle on Loveday Street in Pretoria before it crashed through the barriers.
"It seems as if the driver had either lost control or there was a mechanical failure."
#TruckCrash This is the hill the truck came down. It's a very steep incline. Tow trucks are now moving in. EC pic.twitter.com/KmI0aZy4PG
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 20, 2016
Vadi says there will be a full investigation, but the driver is currently too shocked to speak
"I had a brief chat with him, but he is not in a condition to have a meaningful conversation."
#TruckCrash Vadi says the driver survived but is in a state of shock. He says there will be a full investigation. EC
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 20, 2016
It's unclear when services will be fully restored.
