Hundreds of commuters travelling from Tema into Accra faced significant disruptions on Thursday morning after a passenger train derailed near Avenor following a collision with two stray cattle on the tracks. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 a.m. shortly after the train departed Avenor Station, caused panic among passengers and necessitated emergency repairs to the rail line.
Commuters Stranded Amidst Morning Chaos
The four-coach train, carrying numerous workers and traders into the capital, slammed into the animals, leading to the derailment of several coaches. Passengers were forced to disembark and seek alternative transportation, adding to the already congested road networks in Accra. While no injuries were reported, the sudden halt and the sight of the deceased animals left many visibly shaken.
Eyewitnesses reported that the cattle appeared suddenly on the tracks, leaving the train operator with minimal time to react. The train operator’s swift action in slowing the train significantly after impact is credited with preventing a potentially more catastrophic outcome.
Railway Officials Address Safety Concerns
Daniel Asiedu, Area Civil Engineer for the Ghana Railway Company Limited, described the incident as unfortunate. He used the event to highlight recurring issues of human and animal encroachment on railway enclaves. These activities pose a significant threat to public safety and the integrity of rail operations.
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