Benaleka train accident
| Benaleka train accident | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Date | August 1, 2007 23:00 |
| Location | Benaleka |
| Country | Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Line | Ilebo to Kananga |
| Operator | Congo Railroad Company |
| Incident type | Runaway derailment |
| Cause | Brake failure |
| Statistics | |
| Trains | 1 |
| Deaths | 100 |
| Injured | 128 |
The Benaleka train accident occurred on August 1, 2007 near Benaleka in the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least 100 people and seriously injuring 128 more.[1]
The accident happened in a remote location 220 kilometres (140 mi) northwest of Kananga in West Kasai province at 11 PM local time.[2] The crash was caused by the failure of the train's brakes. Eight cars derailed; many of those killed had been riding on the roofs and were trapped underneath. The driver was able to detach the locomotive and go for help. Many of the injured were carried by bicycle or even on the backs of others to the nearest hospital, six miles away.[3][4]
It is one of the deadliest rail accidents on the African continent.
References
- ^ "DR Congo crash toll 'passes 100'". BBC News. August 2, 2007. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
- ^ "Dozens killed in DRC train crash". Mail & Guardian. August 2, 2007. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
- ^ "Passenger Train Derails in Congo, Killing 100 and Trapping Others". The New York Times. August 3, 2007. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
- ^ "Annual Safety Performance Report" (PDF). Rail Safety and Standards Board. 2007.