Tema-Accra bound train derails after collision with stray cattle at Avenor
A passenger train travelling from Tema to Accra derailed near Avenor in Accra on Thursday morning after it collided with two stray cattle that had wandered onto the railway line, disrupting transport services and forcing commuters to abandon the journey and seek alternative means of travel.
The accident happened after two cows strayed onto the railroad.
It resulted in commuters getting stranded as they could not continue their journey, reports Graphic Online's Shadrack Kankam.
The accident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. shortly after the four-coach train departed the Avenor station en route to the Odaw station.
No passengers sustained injuries, although the two cattle involved in the collision died instantly.
Nobody has come forward to claim ownership of the cattle despite efforts by officials and residents to identify the owners.
When Graphic Online's Samuel Ohene Ewur also visited the scene, some eyewitnesses said the cattle suddenly strayed onto the rail track and were struck by the moving train, causing parts of the train to derail.
Passengers on board were compelled to alight immediately after the accident as rail services on the corridor were suspended.
Many of the stranded commuters were seen walking long distances in search of alternative transport to continue their journeys to Accra and surrounding areas.
The train itself was not significantly damaged however, the wooden boards beneath the rails suffered some deterioration.
Engineers were later deployed to the scene to begin repair works on the affected section of the rail line and restore normal operations.
Technical officers also commenced assessments to determine the extent of damage caused to the track and the train.
Eyewitness account
An eyewitness, Mohammed told Graphic Online that the train operator had attempted to control the situation moments before the impact.
He explained that the cattle had blocked the railway line, leaving the driver with little room to manoeuvre.
According to him, the operator managed to slow down and stop the train after the collision, preventing what could have become a more serious disaster.
Mohammed further stated that although the train had not been fully occupied, it had carried a considerable number of passengers at the time of the incident.
He said railway officials had temporarily parked the train while waiting for authorities to undertake inspections and investigations.
Another resident in the area, who did not want to be named, said this incident renewed concerns over the persistent presence of stray animals and commercial activities along portions of the Tema–Accra railway corridor.
"Warnings have repeatedly been issued to livestock traders and herders against tying animals close to the railway tracks but the practice continues," he said.
He indicated that the problem had become more common in recent days due to increased livestock trading activities ahead of the Sallah celebrations.
He explained that many traders had allegedly kept animals close to the rail corridor for convenience, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
Railway authorities are expected to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the derailment as efforts continue to restore normal train services on the route.
