A test run in the Asuogyaman district resulted in an accident involving Ghana’s freshly acquired train, which came from Poland and was meant to run on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line.
In a statement released on Thursday, April 18, 2024, the Ministry of Railways Development made it clear that the accident happened that same day at approximately 12:10 p.m.
As the train neared the curve at Km76+100, the Ministry reports that it came into contact with a stationary vehicle that was positioned right across the rail track.
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“The train could not stop completely before colliding with the vehicle, even after applying the emergency brakes immediately.”
The Ministry guaranteed that all bystanders, drivers, passengers, and crew members were safe and that no fatalities were reported.
It is significant to remember that the car was abandoned and that the site of its discovery is not recognised as an official level crossing. Fortunately, neither spectators nor train passengers suffered any injuries. Nevertheless, the train’s driver’s cabin sustained some minor damage.
It stated that the police had been notified of the event and that investigations were still ongoing.
“The Police have been notified of the event immediately, and an investigation is presently being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The affected DMU has been relocated to the Workshop for additional evaluation and required maintenance.
The Ministry pledged to maintain the safe running of the railway system and gave the public assurances of security.
“We pledge to the public that maintaining the safe running of our railway systems is our top priority and that safety will always come first. We implore all parties involved to operate railway rails with caution and to follow safety procedures.
The two modern diesel-powered trains were purchased by the government from Poland in order to improve the railway transportation network.
The Minister of Railway Development, Peter Amewu, stated that engineers are presently repairing the damaged train during an interview with Eyewitness News on Citi FM.
Engineers have taken it back to the workshop and are working on it now. The KIA driver went to the police station and reported himself. Although we are now evaluating the train’s damage, the good news is that none of the passengers or crew were hurt.
The train is still in excellent technical condition; neither the engine nor the electrical system have been altered. In order to get the train back on the line, we’re hoping the insurance company will act as soon as feasible.
He claimed that the locals were aware of the test run.
According to sources, the state purchased 12 trains for the Ghana Railways Company, which is anticipated to run both long- and short-distance routes.
The Ghana Railway Development Authority refuted the reports, nevertheless.
