Train collision leaves one dead, over 100 injured in S. Africa

At least one person was killed and more than 100 others were injured in a train collision in South Africa, authorities confirmed Tuesday.

The collision took place on Monday afternoon at Kaalfontein between Tembisa and Kempton Park on Gauteng's East Rand near Johannesburg, according to Metrorail, which manages the operation of the train.

The cause of the accident remained unknown and an investigation was underway, Metrorail spokesperson Lilian Mofokeng said.

Investigators suspected that high speed was to blame, as one train at high speed collided with another train from the opposite direction.

"Our priority is on the people that are affected. I am sure you will agree with me that 100 people injured and one dead is too much. So the details of what caused the accident will follow later," Mofokeng said.

Those who sustained minor injuries were treated at the scene, while others were taken to various hospitals nearby, rescuers said.

The collision left thousands stranded without transportation from work after the tracks were closed to traffic.

In July last year, at least 80 people were injured in a train collision near Berea in Durban, about 600 km southeast of Johannesburg. Endi