Two crew members killed in Rovos Rail bridge washaway accident in Namibia

Two rail crew members have died after a Rovos Rail luxury train was involved in an accident in southern Namibia early on Sunday morning, the company confirmed. The train, travelling south from Windhoek, struck a washed-away bridge span at Naute at about 4:45 am, roughly 285 km from Ariamsvlei near the South African border. Rovos Rail said the incident resulted in “the loss of two locomotives and two utility coaches”, but the train’s automatic braking system prevented further damage.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of our Rovos driver and the TransNamib pilot,” the company said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues.” Rovos Rail said contingency plans were immediately implemented to move guests from the remote crash site. “Buses have been arranged to transport guests to Upington from where they will be flown to Cape Town and met personally by Tiffany,” the company said.

“The cause was a washaway of the last span of a bridge,” Rovos Rail said. Operations teams and senior management were dispatched to the scene, while communications staff were placed on standby to assist affected families and travellers. “We sincerely regret this occurrence but rest assured, the safety and well-being of our guests and staff is paramount,” the statement read.