18 killed, 254 injured in South Africa train crash

Johannesburg [South Africa], Jan 4 (ANI): At least 18 people have been killed and 254 others injured in a train crash in South Africa.

According to the local media, the accident took place on Thursday after a train collided with a truck and a car near Kroonstad in South Africa's Free State province.

South Africa's transport minister has confirmed the death toll.

According to the Minister of Transport, Joe Maswanganyi, the truck driver involved in the accident was "taking chances."

"Police are investigating. The truck driver has been taken to hospital where we are going to do a blood test to verify if he was sober or not or what was the problem," Maswanganyi said.

The cause of the accident is not yet known. An investigation is underway, he added.

The train was heading to Johannesburg from the coastal city of Port Elizabeth.

The Shosholoza Meyl Rail Company, which operates long-distance trains in South Africa, said in a statement that there were 429 passengers onboard. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI