A passenger train traveling from Tema to Accra derailed Thursday morning after colliding with a large cattle herd attempting to cross the railway line at the Avenor stretch in Accra. The blue-and-yellow train, bearing registration number 1679, reportedly derailed around 7:30 a.m., causing panic among residents and commuters in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred when the animal suddenly crossed the tracks, leaving the train operator little time to react. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
Speaking to Kessben Digital’s Maurice Otoo, some residents blamed the incident on the persistent practice of shepherds tying cattle close to the railway lines, despite the obvious danger it poses to human lives, rail infrastructure, and transportation safety.
Residents also lamented the increasing encroachment along railway corridors, warning that the situation could trigger a major disaster if authorities fail to act swiftly.
According to international railway settlement regulations, residential structures are expected to be located between 30 and 50 meters away from railway lines due to risks associated with vibrations, hazardous fumes, derailments, and possible toxic releases.
However, investigations revealed that many residents along the Avenor railway stretch have built structures as close as five to ten meters from the tracks, in clear violation of safety regulations.
Kessben Digital’s report also documented sections of the railway heavily covered with cattle feces, making parts of the tracks slippery and difficult to navigate.
Residents are therefore calling on city authorities, railway officials, and security agencies to enforce railway safety laws and remove unauthorized activities along the tracks to prevent future accidents and protect lives and property.
