TransNamib's Corporate Communications Manager, Abigail Raubenheimer, has confirmed the derailment of a cargo train carrying manganese to the harbor town of Luderitz on Thursday night.

The derailment occurred between Aus and Luderitz.

According to the statement, four staff members of TransNamib were onboard the train, which carried 20 wagons with manganese.

The derailment resulted in the deaths of two people who died on the scene, while the surviving staff members were transported to Luderitz, where they are receiving medical treatment.

The deceased, according to a police accident report, were aged 48 and 61, respectively. Their families have been notified, and representatives from TransNamib are providing support.

TransNamib has activated its emergency response plan and will release further information as it becomes available. The statement further said that an investigation would be initiated to determine the root cause of the incident.