Over a hundred people narrowly escaped death on Tuesday evening when a moving train hit several vehicles stuck in traffic at a railway crossing in the Woji area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Although no deaths were reported at the time of this report, many vehicles were badly damaged, and several people were left shaken after the incident.
The traditional ruler of Evo Kingdom and Chairman of the Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers, King Leslie Eze, expressed sadness over the accident and sent his sympathy to the victims.
He said, “We are deeply saddened by this avoidable incident that could have claimed many lives. It is by God’s mercy that we are not mourning today.
I sympathize with everyone affected and call on the authorities to take this as a serious warning.”
King Eze criticized the poor safety measures at the railway crossing and the lack of warning systems or proper traffic control.
He urged the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the Rivers State Government, and the Federal Ministry of Transportation to improve safety at all railway crossings in the state.
He added, “This is about the lives of Nigerians. We must make sure railway crossings have working barriers, warning signals, and quick emergency responses. What happened in Woji must never happen again.”
The monarch also advised drivers to be careful and patient, especially when stuck in traffic near railway lines.
By: Wokoma Emmanuel
