Teachers face anxious moments as train crashes into motorised trolley

TENOM – Several teachers from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pangi went through an anxious ordeal when the train they were travelling on is believed to have suffered brake failure and crashed into a motorised trolley at Batu 11 along the Tenom-Pangi route on Tuesday.

In the incident, which occurred at about 8am, all passengers were reported safe. However, a 58-year-old man sustained minor injuries while attempting to escape.

Tenom district police chief Superintendent Azmir Abd Razak said the train was travelling from Tenom to Kampung Pangi with passengers on board.

“However, due to flooding and landslides along the Tenom-Pangi railway line, the train service could only operate up to Batu 11.

“Residents who wished to continue their journey to Kampung Pangi had to use alternative means such as motorised trolleys or travel on foot,” he said when contacted by Sinar

Passengers were thrown into panic when the train could not be stopped due to brake failure.

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Passengers were thrown into panic when the train could not be stopped due to brake failure.

He said at the time of the incident, several motorised trolleys belonging to villagers had been placed on the tracks while waiting for family members arriving on the train.

“Upon reaching Batu 11, the train is believed to have lost control when its braking system failed before crashing into a motorised trolley on the tracks.

“As a result of the collision, the train derailed and also struck four motorcycles. A man who was on the trolley is believed to have jumped off after realising the train was still moving at high speed despite being expected to stop.

“The victim suffered only minor injuries,” he said.

Meanwhile, Melalap assemblyman Datuk Jamawi Jaafar voiced concern over the incident.

“I was informed of a brake failure involving the train carrying SK Pangi teachers this morning.

“The swift action of several villagers who placed motorised trolleys on the tracks helped bring the train to a stop.

“I urge the Sabah State Railway Department to conduct a full investigation into the matter and take immediate steps to prevent a recurrence,” he said.

He also called on the Public Works Department to expedite the Tenom-Pangi road project, which was approved by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor early last year.

“I understand that a contractor has already been appointed,” he said.