Two lives lost in Rovos Rail derailment

A Rovos Rail train derailment killed a driver and a TransNamib pilot yesterday near Naute in southern Namibia after the rains washed away a section of the bridge.

The company confirmed the deaths in a statement yesterday.

Rovos Rail said its southbound train from Windhoek was involved in the accident at approximately 05:00, about 100 kilometres from Keetmanshoop and roughly 285 kilometres short of Ariamsvlei and the South African border.

“The cause was a washaway of the last span of a bridge resulting in the loss of two locomotives and two utility coaches. The automatic brake system stopped the train to prevent further damage,” the company said.

“We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues. We can confirm that no passengers or other Rovos Rail staff members sustained injuries. Buses have been arranged to transport guests to Upington from where they will be flown to Cape Town,” the statement said.

Investigation

TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld also confirmed the fatalities.

Van Jaarsveld said an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.

“We are cooperating fully with the authorities, and once finalised, key stakeholders will be informed and appropriate measures implemented to prevent any recurrence,” he said.

Van Jaarsveld added that the emergency response plan was activated immediately.

“Teams were dispatched to the scene without delay. Our priority was and remains the safety and wellbeing of all employees and passengers. Urgent medical care was provided to those affected, and survivors are being supported,” he said.

The train was on its 3 400-kilometre, 11-day Namibian Safari journey from Walvis Bay to Pretoria, carrying up to 72 passengers in 36 suites.

In April 2025, a Rovos Rail luxury train derailed in Zimbabwe after colliding with a freight locomotive near Gwanda on the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Railway (BBR) line while en route to Victoria Falls.

The train was carrying about 47 tourists and 34 staff members at the time.

No passengers were seriously injured, but several crew members sustained injuries and were treated in hospitals in Gwanda and Bulawayo. 

*Additional information: 

Rovos Rail