New Ghana Train Crashes into Lorry During Test Run

Ghana’s recently acquired train from Poland has collided with a lorry during a trial run in the Eastern Region, according to officials’ reports. The incident occurred on the Tema-Mpakadanrailway line, where the train struck an abandoned vehicle, resulting in minor damage to the cabin. Fortunately, the train driver, railway inspectors, and passengers all emerged unhurt as reported by the BBC.

Police have confirmed that the driver of the abandoned lorry has been apprehended. The Ministry of Railways Development issued a statement through Railways Minister John Peter Amewu, asserting that no one was inside the lorry at the time of the accident. Additionally, the ministry clarified that the lorry was not parked at an authorized level crossing, contributing to the collision despite the train’s emergency braking system being applied promptly.

In a separate statement, the Ghana Police disclosed that preliminary investigations indicate the suspected driver left the truck unattended on the railway line, leading to the collision. The police assured ongoing investigations to ensure the safety of the railway system.

Ghana recently acquired two diesel-powered trains from Poland to enhance its railway transport system. The first of these trains, a Diesel Multiple Unit designated for the new 100km Tema-Mpakadan line, arrived in the country two weeks ago. According to Yaw Osuwu, the railway agency chief, the second train is scheduled for shipment in May, with an expected arrival in August. The initial train, consisting of 12 modern passenger coaches, was undergoing a trial run on the new route aimed at improving public transportation and facilitating access to Ghana’s eastern corridor.

This railway project is part of a larger initiative spanning 1,000 km, aimed at connecting Ghana and Burkina Faso through the Tema port, as reported by local media.