JOHANNESBURG, South Africa

Two trains collided in southern Johannesburg Friday, injuring 239 commuters, authorities have confirmed.

“Two trains, which were travelling on the same lane heading to Soweto, collided and 239 passengers were injured,” Metrorail spokeswoman Lillian Mofokeng told Anadolu Agency late Friday.

Metrorail operates South Africa’s commuter rail services.

She said the injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

“The accident happened at about 6:30 pm. We don't know the exact cause,” she said.

Mofokeng said they would investigate why the two trains were traveling on the same lane at the time of the accident.

One of the passengers traveling in the second train, which crashed into the first one, told Anadolu Agency that the train was speeding.

“Our train was moving very fast when I suddenly heard a loud bang and screams,” he said.

The commuter said people were crying and praying.

“I am lucky I was not injured, but I am traumatized,” he said.

Rail accidents are uncommon in South Africa, where tens of thousands of people depend on trains to commute to work, schools and other destinations.