A train collision on Thursday morning killed two cows near Accra. The incident happened on the railway line between Tema and the capital city. Residents quickly gathered at the scene to collect meat from the dead animals.
The accident occurred around 7 a.m. as a five-coach passenger train traveled from Tema. The train struck the two cows, halting rail operations temporarily. No passengers were reported injured. However, commuters faced delays and had to find other ways to travel.
This event highlights ongoing safety concerns for Ghana's rail infrastructure. The Ghana Railway Company Limited has faced issues with people and animals encroaching on tracks. This is not the first time cattle have caused train disruptions. In previous incidents, trains have derailed or been damaged after hitting livestock.
An eyewitness, Mohammed Iddrissu, told JoyNews the train driver managed to stop the train safely. "The driver was able to stop the train in time," he said, noting the train narrowly missed entering nearby shops. Railway officials confirmed the cows were killed but denied any derailment. Daniel Asiedu, the Area Railway Manager, stressed the need for better enforcement against track encroachment. "We will need support from authorities to help us deal with people who are encroaching on the railway infrastructure," he stated. Investigations into the accident are underway.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the cost of unchecked railway encroachment. The Ghana Railway Company Limited aims to restore full operations later today. Authorities are advising cattle owners to keep their animals away from the tracks. This advice aims to prevent similar accidents in the future and protect both lives and property.