A recently acquired train from Poland, intended for use in Ghana, was unfortunately involved in an accident during a test run along the Tema-Mpakadan railway route on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
During the test run, the train collided with a parked Hyundai truck bearing registration number GS 9018-20, which was situated across the railway line.
Minister for Railway Development, Honorable John Peter Amewu, clarified to the public the sequence of events during the test run. He noted that due to the high speed of the new train, the driver was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision with the nearby KIA vehicle.
“Today, unfortunately, around 12:15pm, the Ministry in collaboration with our foreign engineers and the Ghana Railway Development Authority conducted a test run from kilometer zero which is at the workshop in Tema towards kilometer 98 at Mpakadan,” Mr. Amewu said.
The engineers are currently working on it. The train has been brought back to the workshop. The Kia driver himself has reported himself to the police station, but the conduct of the driver as of now cannot be well explained,” the Minister said.
“And the good thing is that all the passengers and the inspectors on board the train, none of them got injured and we are currently in the process of assessing the damage to the train. Technically, I would say the train is still in very good form. Nothing in terms of electrical or the engine has been affected, except the front that got slightly damaged.
“The Polish engineers who were assembling the train are in charge and expected to be handed over to government. The government had not yet taken complete ownership of the train. So we are hoping that the insurance company will work on it as quickly as possible for us to put the train back on the line.
John Peter Amewu conveyed this statement during the Citi Breakfast Show. Subsequently, the Ghana Police Service arrested the driver who had left his car parked across the railway line.
Discover more from Flash Ghana
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.