On 1 January 1968, two trains collided near Randspruit between Skukuza and the Crocodile Bridge in the worst train disaster to occur in the Kruger National Park along the Selati line.
Goods train No. 1509 smashed into the back of the stationary mixed train No. 1565 at 13h12. The collision forced the guards van and all four passenger saloons of train No. 1565 to derail, overturn and roll down a three-metre-high bank. Six goods wagons and both diesel locomotives of train No. 1509 were derailed.
Due to the abundance of wildlife and dangerous animals that roamed the railway line, personnel who rushed to the rescue had to be protected by armed park wardens. The driver of train No. 1509 and 12 passengers in train No. 1565 lost their lives. Two other railway personnel and 49 passengers were injured.
It is believed that the severity of the collision would’ve been far less if the driver of train No. 1509 had in fact stuck to the intended speed limit.