Former president John Dramani Mahama has taken a swipe at the Nana Akufo Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia-led government on incidences that led to the crashing of the new train. One of the new trains crashed into a truck that was parked across the Tema-Mpakadan railway line in the Asuogyaman District during a test run on Thursday April 18, 2024.
Reacting to the news, President Mahama wrote “How can you conduct a test run on a new railway line without a track inspection? How long had the vehicle been on the track before the test run?”
“If I were President, I’ll be asking some serious questions,” Mr Mahama concluded .
Aside from the former President, experts wonder how the train accident happened since modern trains are equipped with various sensors and safety systems to help prevent these types of accidents.
Explaining such safety features, Engineer Kyekyeku Boakye Ansah said automatic train control and collision avoidance systems help improve safety.
Automatic Train Control (ATC) systems: These systems monitor the train’s speed and enforce speed limits, as well as provide braking assistance to prevent collisions or derailments. Collision Avoidance Systems: These systems use radar, lidar, or cameras to detect obstacles on the tracks or other trains ahead, alerting the driver and automatically applying brakes if necessary.
Track Condition Monitoring: Sensors along the tracks monitor for defects such as broken rails, track obstructions, or misalignments, which could lead to derailments if not detected and addressed. Grade Crossing Warning Systems: Sensors at railway crossings detect approaching trains and activate warning signals such as lights, bells, and barriers to alert motorists and pedestrians to stop and allow the train to pass safely.
The driver who left his truck on the railway causing the accident has already been convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment.
Meanwhile, sector Minister Peter Amewu informed said earlier that there is not much damage to the train. He said there were minor damages to the driver’s cabin but the electrical and engine have not been affected.
“There was minor damage to the driver’s cab section of the train,” Peter Amewu told Citi News on April 18.
“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,” he added.