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13 March 2026
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Two die in Rovos Rail train derailment near Keetmanshoop, Namibia
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A luxury Rovos Rail train derailed near Keetmanshoop, Namibia, on Sunday, 1 March 2026, resulting in two crew member fatalities and injuries to five others, while all 45 tourists remained safe. The accident, caused by a bridge collapse, involved the train traveling from Windhoek to South Africa. The deceased have been identified as South African national Hendrik Du Plessis and Richard Wimmerth who were the drivers. The accident occurred along the railway line between Seeheim and Holoog 68 kilometres near Keetmanshoop. The Rovos Rail 1202 was travelling from Seeheim and enroute to Holoog. It was pulling 21 trailers and one water tank with 36 staff members and 45 tourists on board.
According to the Police report, TransNamib supervisor Katjerungu Godfrey received a telephone call from the train Manager, Mangileng Mabala, notifying him that the train was involved in an accident. Mabala said the train had stopped moving, however, when he attempted to contact the driver telephonically, there was no response. Upon exiting her coach to investigate, Mabala discovered that the locomotive and two trailers had fallen off the bridge and immediately called for assistance.
Unfortunately, the drivers, 55 year old Du Plessis and 49 year old Wimmerth perished in the accident.
Five other crew members sustained injuries in the incident.
Emergency services responded swiftly and several passengers were treated for minor injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident of one of the world’s most luxurious rail experiences.
Sources: NBC, Namib Times
According to the Police report, TransNamib supervisor Katjerungu Godfrey received a telephone call from the train Manager, Mangileng Mabala, notifying him that the train was involved in an accident. Mabala said the train had stopped moving, however, when he attempted to contact the driver telephonically, there was no response. Upon exiting her coach to investigate, Mabala discovered that the locomotive and two trailers had fallen off the bridge and immediately called for assistance.
Unfortunately, the drivers, 55 year old Du Plessis and 49 year old Wimmerth perished in the accident.
Five other crew members sustained injuries in the incident.
Emergency services responded swiftly and several passengers were treated for minor injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident of one of the world’s most luxurious rail experiences.
Sources: NBC, Namib Times
