Mapleton train collision

On 27 July 1927, a catastrophic head-on train collision occurred on the single-track railway line between Durban and Johannesburg, South Africa, near Roodekop in Germiston. The accident involved a southbound goods train and a northbound passenger train.

Mapleton train collision
Details
Date	27 July 1927
Location	Roodekop, Germiston
Country	South Africa
Incident type	Head-on collision
Statistics
Trains	2
Deaths	29
Injured	54

Collision

The collision was primarily attributed to a critical error made by the driver of the southbound goods train departing from Roodekop. The driver, carrying the staff which authorised him to travel only as far as a newly added side track, apparently forgot to wait there for the northbound train from Durban. This oversight led to both trains being on the same track simultaneously, resulting in a devastating collision.

Casualties

The collision had tragic consequences. A total of 29 people lost their lives, with some succumbing to exposure to the harsh winter weather while waiting for rescue teams to arrive. Additionally, 54 individuals sustained injuries of varying severity.

Locomotives Involved

One of the locomotives involved in the collision was the SAR A Class 4-8-2T No. 196, manufactured by Dubs & Co. (Dubs No. 3819).