The recently purchased train by Ghana was involved in an accident during a test run in the Asuogyaman district. The train was shipped from Poland and was supposed to run on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line.
The accident happened on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at about 12:10 p.m, according to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Railways Development.
According to the Ministry, the train struck a stationary car that was parked directly across the rail track as it approached the curve at Km76+100.
“Despite the immediate application of the emergency braking system, the train was unable to come to a complete stop before colliding with the vehicle.”
The Ministry affirmed that all onlookers, drivers, passengers, and crew members were safe and that no deaths had been reported.
“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.”
It stated that the police had been notified of the incident and that investigations were still ongoing.
“The incident has been promptly reported to the Police, and investigations are currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. The DMU involved has been moved to the Workshop for further assessment and necessary repairs.”
The Ministry assured the public of security and promised to keep the railway system operating safely.
“We assure the public that safety remains our utmost priority, and we are committed to ensuring the continued safe operation of our railway systems. We urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols when operating or crossing railway tracks.”
The two modern diesel-powered trains were purchased by the government from Poland in order to improve the railway transportation network.
Engineers are currently fixing the damaged train, according to Railway Development Minister Peter Amewu, in an interview with Eyewitness News on Citi FM.
“Engineers are currently working on it, the train has been brought back to the workshop. The KIA driver has reported himself to the police station. The good thing is that none of the passengers, crew on board got injured, we’re currently in the process of assessing the damage to the train. Technically, the train is still in good form, nothing in terms of the electricals or engine have been disturbed. We’re hoping that the insurance company will work on it as quickly as possible to bring the train back on the line.”
According to him, the test run was known to the community members.
According to reports, 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.