A newly acquired train by Ghana was involved in an accident during a test run on Thursday, colliding with an unmanned stationary vehicle obstructing the railway tracks.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Railways Development, the incident occurred on when the newly imported Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train hit the stationary vehicle positioned directly across the rail duting a Site Acceptance Test on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line.
The incident took place around 12:10 pm when the DMU, upon approaching a curve at Km 76+100, encountered an unmanned vehicle stationed directly across the rail track.
Despite the immediate application of emergency brakes, the train could not come to a complete stop before colliding with the obstructing vehicle.
“Despite the immediate application of the emergency braking system, the train was unable to come to a complete stop before colliding with the vehicle,” it said.
“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.”
Authorities have confirmed that the location where the vehicle was found is not designated as an authorized level crossing. Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the passengers on the train or any bystanders. However, the driver’s cab section of the train sustained minor damage from the collision.
The incident has been promptly reported to the Police, with investigations currently underway to determine the circumstances that led to the vehicle obstructing the railway tracks. The DMU involved in the accident has been moved to a workshop for further assessment and necessary repairs.
“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 has assured the public that safety remains the utmost priority, reiterating their commitment to ensuring the continued safe operation of Ghana’s railway systems.
All stakeholders have been urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols when operating or crossing railway tracks.
It has also pledged to provide further updates as the investigation into the incident progresses.
The DMU involved in the accident was manufactured by Pesa Bydgoszcz SA, a Polish company, and was undergoing a Site Acceptance Test on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line when the incident occurred.
