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Tag: Test run

  • Court jails truck driver 6 months for causing train accident

    Court jails truck driver 6 months for causing train accident

    Abel Dzidotor, the driver responsible for the fatal train accident on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line on Thursday, April 18, has been sentenced to six months in prison.

    Dzidotor pleaded guilty to three of the four charges brought against him, leading to the sentencing.

    Dzidotor admitted guilt to charges of careless driving, causing damage without authorization, and stopping without permission, according to Citi News’ Benjamin Aklama. He was sentenced after the court found him guilty on these counts.

    Dzidotor was initially accused of reckless and irresponsible driving, which is against Section 3 of RTA Act 683 (2004) as amended by Act 761 of 2008. He was given a sentence of 100 penalty units, which, if unpaid, could result in a 20-month jail sentence.

    The second offence was stopping without authorization, which was against Section 19 of Act 683 of 2004 as amended by Act 761 of 2008. Following his guilty plea, Dzidotor was sentenced to 20 penalty units, with an additional five months in jail if the fine remained unpaid.

    According to section 172b of Act 2960, the third charge—causing unlawful damage—was violated. Dzidotor was sentenced to six months of hard labour after he acknowledged his guilt.

    On the fourth charge of failing to produce a driver’s licence, Dzidotor entered a not guilty plea in violation of LI 21(80) regulation 47(2). Under threat of legal repercussions, he stated that his licence was inside the damaged car and was told to bring it to court by May 9, 2024.

    Dzidotor was detained by the Ghana Police Service following initial inquiries that suggested he had abandoned his Hyundai truck on the railroad tracks, causing a test run collision with the recently imported Polish train. According to the police statement, Dzidotor’s truck got stuck on the rail while he was delivering cement blocks because he was unable to find a pass-through under the bridge.

  • Ghana’s newly imported train involved in accident during test run

    Ghana’s newly imported train involved in accident during test run

    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.