Heavy overnight December summer rain resulted in the Amanzimtoti River coming down in flood and eroding into the supporting bank of the line down to the KwaZulu Natal South Coast at the mouth of the river. Unfortunately for the crew of 37-030, who were rostered to take an early morning load of timber down to the Saiccor Mill in Umkomaas, everyone was asleep (not the crew - those living in the apartments above) at the time and nobody realised that the line had been washed away. So without any warning, 37-030 and the second loco, as well as the first two loaded timber wagons landed up in the river mouth. Luckily injuries to the crew were minor. Just a few hours after the incident, and with more rain threatening, Transnet Managers and members from the Rail Safety Regulator ponder the scene in front of them.
