Luxury Rovos Rail collide in a Bride Washaway

Luxury rail operator Rovos Rail has confirmed that one of its trains was involved in a fatal accident in southern Namibia in the early hours of Sunday, 1 March 2026.

The train, travelling southbound from Windhoek towards South Africa, derailed at approximately 04:45 near Naute, around 285 kilometres north of Ariamsvlei and the South African border. According to the company, the incident was caused by a washaway that led to the collapse of the final span of a bridge.

As a result, two locomotives and two utility coaches were lost. Rovos Rail said the train’s automatic braking system activated immediately, preventing further damage and stopping the remainder of the train safely.

Tragically, the accident claimed the lives of the Rovos Rail driver and a TransNamib pilot who was accompanying the journey. Rovos Rail expressed profound sadness at the loss and extended condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased. The company confirmed that no passengers or additional Rovos Rail staff were injured in the incident.

Emergency arrangements were swiftly put in place to assist guests on board. Passengers are being transported by bus to Upington, from where they will be flown to Cape Town. Rovos Rail owner Tiffany Vos-Thompson is expected to personally meet guests on arrival.

In a statement, Rovos Rail reiterated that passenger and staff safety remains its highest priority and thanked the public for messages of support received following the incident.

The company confirmed that senior management and its communications team are available to respond to enquiries as investigations into the accident continue.

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