KOTA KINABALU – The accident involving a train and two vehicles in Kepayan yesterday was caused by a guard who was absent at the Lintas Kepayan (Kota Kinabalu International Airport flyover) level crossing, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Bung Moktar said the investigation revealed that the safety boom gate was not lowered and the siren was not sounded when the train approached the road because the guard in charge was not present, a local daily The Borneopost reported today.
He was quoted saying that the Sabah Railway Department will conduct a more in-depth investigation into the accident.
“The department will also ensure that all information such as ‘line-clear order’ will be disseminated accurately and clearly to all level crossing guards and they will be at their posts when on duty,” he said.
Yesterday, two vehicles were damaged after being hit by a train at the rail gate near the Kota Kinabalu International Airport traffic intersection.
Bung Moktar said the train was travelling from Beaufort to Kota Kinabalu and had departed the station an hour late.
“It was supposed to depart around 11am but only left the station at noon. When it arrived at the Kinarut station, the ‘line-clear order’ to continue its journey to Kota Kinabalu was given by the station master to the train driver – after confirming that all level crossing guards were at their posts.
“However when the train approached the Lintas Kepayan level crossing, the guard was nowhere to be seen.
“The siren was not sounded and the safety boom was not lowered – resulting in the accident,” he said.
About 70 passengers were on the train and none were injured, and drivers of the four-wheel-drive and lorry who were headed towards the airport also escaped unhurt.
According to previous media reports, the same intersection had taken two lives and left four injured after the train rammed into vehicles in 2013 and 2018, also due to errors with the boom barrier at the rail gate.
Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah Works Minister, said CCTV will be installed on all railways in the state, which could ensure that Railway Department personnel on duty are present during the service operation.
He said the Sabah Railway Department will also expedite monitoring and coordination for better regulation of all standard operating procedures. – The Vibes, August 19, 2022.
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