Philippa Castle: The girl who survived being hit a train at Kalk Bay 47 years ago
Cape Town - Forty-seven years ago, a 10-year-old girl named Philippa Castle captured the hearts of South Africans when she miraculously survived a harrowing accident at Kalk Bay station.
This month, Castle took to social media, specifically the Kalk Bay Community Facebook page, to share her extraordinary tale of survival, resilience, and adventure, reminding many locals of her near-fatal encounter that was nothing short of miraculous.
Castle recounted the day that changed her life forever.
It was an ordinary school day on March 14, 1978, and she was returning from Wynberg with her 11-year-old friend when she decided to take a short cut home.
At the time of the incident, Castle's surname was Baker and she resided in Kalk Bay.
“We had an argument that day,” Castle recalled.
“I jumped onto the tracks, and the next moment, my friend saw me getting hit by the train; she witnessed it fling me into the air.”
The recollection of that horrific day remains etched in Castle's memory.
“An angel of mercy in the form of a local fisherman rescued me from the tracks,” she said. “Everyone thought I was dead, but he placed me on the platform, and my friend was in shock, thinking I had perished.”
During the chaos, her friend rushed home, alerting Castle's family and maid in a state of shock on what had happened.
As Castle lay semi-conscious on the platform, a nearby pharmacist rushed to her aid, bandaging her head.
“I was in and out of consciousness, and the pain came in waves. I didn't realise how serious it was until the ambulance arrived,” she recalled.
“I did not break any bones, but the cuts were severe, my head bore ear-toear lacerations that left lasting scars.”
Despite the trauma she endured, Castle expressed gratitude for her survival.
“I have big dents in my head to this day,” she explained.
“But I’ve learned to be fearless and adventurous after that day.”
Her life has since been the embodiment of living every day like it's your last, ranging from professional ventures in property sales to pursuing her passion for watersports, particularly kayaking.
She also had the honour of captaining the South African Women’s Team for the International White Water Challenge.
In her story of resilience, Castle journey is marked by appreciation for life: “I learned to live in the moment; life is like a blink of an eye,” she emphasised.
Throughout her life, Castle has embraced adventure, such as kayaking down the Zambezi Gorge and starting various businesses, including selling pies and conducting overland tours across Southern Africa.
Today, at the age of 57, Clarke chooses to focus on the positives.
“I find that when I try to control things, they often go wrong.
“But I have conquered my fears and learned that love is the answer.”
As Castle reflects on her life, she cherishes the childhood fans who remember her story.
“People never forget,” she added.
Castle’s husband, Bruce Castle shared what an amazing woman his wife had transformed into.
“She is incredible and I am constantly in awe of her resilience and determination,” he said.
“She always jokes about having a hard head, and she’s not wrong, her claim to fame is head butting a train and winning.
“That same spirit has led her to achieve amazing things, like being one of the first women to kayak the Zambezi River below the falls.
“These days, through her Reiki, her caring nature shines as she always goes out of her way to help others.
“She never stops surprising me.”