Ghana’s recently purchased train from Poland crashed into a truck while being tested in the Eastern Region, according to officials.
The train hit the vehicle that was left on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line, causing minor damage to the cabin.
The train's driver, railway inspectors, and passengers all came out unharmed, as reported by BBC.
Authorities stated that the driver of the abandoned lorry has been taken into custody.
In a statement on Friday, Railways Minister John Peter Amewu mentioned that no one was inside the lorry when the accident happened.
The ministry also mentioned that the lorry was not parked in an authorized level crossing location.
“Despite the immediate application of the emergency braking system, the train was unable to come to a complete stop before colliding with the vehicle,” it added.
Amewu described the incident as “unfortunate, irresponsible, and unpatriotic!” on Facebook.
Ghana Police revealed in a separate statement that the suspected driver left the truck unattended on the railway line, leading to a collision with the train.
The Police added that the investigation into the incident would continue to ensure the safe operation of the railway system.
Ghana bought two diesel-powered trains from Poland to improve the railway transport system.
The first new Diesel Multiple Unit train for the new 100km (60-mile) Tema-Mpakadan line arrived in the country two weeks ago.
The head of the railway agency, Yaw Osuwu, informed local media that the second train is planned to be shipped in May and is expected to arrive in August.
Meanwhile, the initial train, consisting of 12 modern passenger coaches, was undergoing a trial run on the new route aimed at improving public transportation and providing access to Ghana’s eastern corridor.
This railway line is part of a larger 1,000 km project aiming to connect Ghana and Burkina Faso via the Tema port, as stated by local media reports.
