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| Crashed Train |
The newly imported train expected to run commercial passenger service on the 96.7 km Tema-Mpakadan Railway line has been involved in an accident during a test run.
In a statement dated Thursday, April 18, 2024, the Ministry of Railways Development explained that the crash occurred at about 12:10 pm on the same day, while a team of engineers was conducting a Site Acceptance Test (SAT) of the new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train.
The press statement, jointly issued by the Ministry, its agencies and partners, further clarified that the train encountered a stationary vehicle positioned directly across the rail track as it approached the curve at km76+100 resulting in a head-to-side collision with the vehicle in spite of emergency break application.
“Despite the immediate application of the emergency breaking system, the train was unable to come to a complete stop before colliding with the vehicle” the statement said.
However, there were no casualties recorded as crew, passengers and bystanders are all safe.
“It is important to note that the vehicle was unmanned, and the location where it was found is not designated as an authorized level crossing. Thankfully, there were no injuries sustained by passengers on the train or bystanders. However, there was minor damage to the driver’s cab section of the train” the statement added.
It mentioned that the train had been moved to the workshop for assessment and repairs while investigations were underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident after it was reported to the police.
The Ministry assured the general public of maximum safety as it pledged unflinching commitment to ensure the continued safe operation of the railway system.
Meanwhile, the Ministry, the Ghana Railway Development Authority, and the Ghana Railway Company Ltd. are expected to collaboratively commence a full commercial passenger train service on the 96.7 km Tema-Mpakadan standard gauge railroad in June this year.
