Arsonists set alight a coach on the Blue Train early Tuesday morning and one of the three suspects seen fleeing from the scene has been arrested.
“Transnet SOC Ltd (Transnet) is investigating the cause of a fire which broke out in a coach of the Blue Train early this morning, while the train was in for repairs at the company’s Engineering facility in Koedoespoort,” said Transnet SOC Ltd in a statement issued by Spokesperson Ayanda Shezi.
“Three people were seen fleeing the scene. One person was apprehended by Transnet security personnel and handed over to the police.
“Two other people are still at large.”
The coach set alight was involved in a derailment last November and had been at Koedoespoort for repairs.
“Transnet has almost completed the investigation into the cause of the November derailment, and as such, today’s incident will not impact the investigations,” said Shezi.
The Blue Train is an icon of South Africa for more than 70 years.
It offers one of the world’s great rail journeys and was voted Africa’s Leading Luxury Train for 10 consecutive years by the World Travel Awards.
The carriages are elegantly furnished suites that provide a generously comfortable lounge.
As night falls they become subtly lit, en-suite bedrooms, with fine cotton linen.
Room service is on hand at all times, provided by the professional butlers who attend to each carriage.
Lately, arson incidents have been on the rise.
Several buildings including Parliament and the nearby St Georgies Cathedral have recently been set alight by arsonists.
