Meanwhile, mop-up operations resumed on Friday morning at the scene of the train crash. Authorities say they will need up-to 36 hours to clear the wreckage. CGTN's Susan Mwongeli has the update.

Investigations into the crash are underway. Authorities attribute the accident to human error. They blame the truck driver for allegedly trying to cross the tracks, just ahead of the oncoming train.

MTHUTHUZELI SWARTZ ACTING CEO, PASSENGER RAIL AGENCY OF SOUTH AFRICA "This unfortunate incident what happened here today is that a truck driver failed to observe the rules of a level crossing he was driving a huge truck and towing another trailer behind him therefore he was racing, wanting to beat the train at the level crossing; and this is why led to this tragedy, where we have 254 people who have been injured and 14 people who have deceased as a result of that accident."

The number of those killed has since risen to 18 people Around 429 people were on the train when it was hit. The lorry driver and his assistant reportedly survived with only minor injuries. The crash derailed half a dozen carriages, and power lines were damaged. The train had been traveling from Port Elizabeth to the country's commercial hub of Johannesburg. SM.CGTN.