South Africa tests 7.6-kilometre freight train in bid to break world record

Loading the video World News Video. South Africa tests 7.6-kilometre freight train in bid to break world record Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 28 October 2026 - 7:38 GMT+1 South Africa's state-owned transport company Transnet says it has tested the world's longest freight train, measuring 7.6 kilometres and made up of 696 wagons. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The train completed an 860-kilometre journey from Saldanha Bay on the country's west coast to an inland iron ore mine on 18 October. The wagons were empty during the test run. Electric and diesel locomotives positioned along the train provided the power needed to move the massive convoy. Transnet says the train surpasses the previous record set in 2001 by a 4.5-mile-long freight train travelling from an iron ore mine to a port in Western Australia. The company presented the journey as a milestone for South Africa's rail freight network, although the record claim comes from Transnet itself. train Trains record Top stories Now playing Next South Africa tests 7.6-kilometre freight train in bid to break world record Now playing Next Israel: Netanyahu bloc leads with more than half of votes counted Now playing Next Brazil: Lula celebrates 81st birthday after re-election victory Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | October 28th, 2026 – Morning Now playing Next 'The map has shifted' says top Democratic strategist on US midterms Now playing Next Serbian elections winner 'clearly seek better' EU relations, expert Now playing Next Ukraine: massive fire engulfs buildings after Russian strike on Kharkiv Now playing Next 2.92-metre monster fish: German angler lands giant catfish from Polish reservoir Now playing Next EU to give Frontex new powers to deport migrants from outside Europe Now playing Next Trump calls Norway a ‘shithouse country’ over Nobel Peace Prize snub Now playing Next Too close to call: Israelis vote in Netanyahu-Eisenkot showdown Now playing Next Ceasefire begins in Russian-occupied Oleshky as strikes hit Kyiv Now playing Next Europe Today: Israel faces deadlock after vote, Nordic leaders hold rare Putin call Now playing Next Ithaca's natural horseshoe harbour is picturesque – but it hides a dirty secret Now playing Next Zoom in, zoom out: Deeply personal and political pictures dominate Hungarian press photo exhibition Now playing Next Israel: opposition supporters celebrate narrow lead in exit polls ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT World News Qatar urges Iran to 'show goodwill' by ending threats to the region and reopening the Strait of Hormuz World News Flávio Bolsonaro reportedly leaves Brazil for US after election defeat Syria 'Unacceptable violation': Syria condemns Jordan airstrikes Israel Israelis head to polls in first general election since 7 October attacks with no clear favourite No Comment Portugal: Lisbon housing crisis sparks protest outside parliament No Comment South Africa: Athlete traverses 600 monkey bars under a 216-metre bridge No Comment Myanmar: spectacular lantern festival lights up ancient temples in Bagan Europe News Two men charged over RAF Fairford air base incident, with one accused of assisting foreign intelligence Europe News Finland's puppy livestream grips millions worldwide Silk Road Adventures Tashkent modernism enters the UNESCO World Heritage List Europe News Poland signs three-year defence cooperation plan with UK Culture news Eurovision in crisis: Netherlands make U-turn and pull out of Eurovision 2027 ADVERTISEMENT Sport Football: Mbappé apologises for 'ill-judged' joke about China's Mao Zedong that led several brands to drop him Culture news To the moon and beyond: Astronauts Chris Hadfield and Victor Glover on why the 'New Space race matters EU News Finnish and Norwegian leaders call Putin, urge restart of peace talks No Comment Turkey: tornado kills at least four workers at Antalya construction site Destinations From Baku’s waterfront to the Greater Caucasus: a new winter destination within reach Europe Today Win or lose, Netanyahu could remain in power for months after Israeli election as Iran tensions loom No Comment Ukraine: firefighters battle flames and rescue dog from Kyiv ruins World News Trump calls Norway a ‘shithouse country’ over Nobel Peace Prize snub ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT