Four More Suspects Arrested in Abortia Train Accident Investigation

The Ghana Police Service has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the recent train accident that occurred during a test run of the new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) 001 Train from Tema to Mpakadan in the Volta Region. The accident, which took place on April 18, 2024, at Abortia, is currently under investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all those responsible.

The four individuals - Kokou Koudjo, Patrick Kwaka Sosu, Alaza Prosper, and Fiadugbe Emmanuel - have been charged with abetment of crime to wit unlawful damage by the Accra High Court. They were allegedly involved in using a truck to transport cement blocks and attempted to cross the railway lines directly, despite knowing it was inaccessible to vehicles. The accused persons placed stones on the railway tracks in an effort to create a path for the truck to cross over, but after several unsuccessful attempts, they left the scene without providing any warning for oncoming trains.

During the test run, the DMU 001 train collided with the stuck truck that was left across the railway lines, causing damage to both the train and the vehicle. The train has since been sent to Tema for maintenance work. The driver of the truck, Abel Dzidotor, has already been sentenced to six months in prison for his role in the incident.

The arrest of the four additional suspects brings the total number in custody to eight, as four others were apprehended shortly after the accident. The facts presented by the prosecutor indicate that the accused persons' actions directly contributed to the collision. The Accra High Court's decision to remand the suspects into custody underscores the gravity of the situation and the authorities' commitment to thoroughly addressing this incident.

Why this matters: The Abortia train accident raises concerns about railway safety and the need for proper measures to prevent unauthorized access to tracks. The incident also highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for actions that endanger public transportation and infrastructure.

The case has been adjourned to May 8 for further investigation. Police are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. "Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused persons had tried to cross the railway line with the truck, despite knowing that the route was inaccessible to vehicles, and had packed stones on the railway tracks in an unsuccessful attempt to move the truck across," stated a police spokesperson. As the investigation progresses, further updates are expected to provide more clarity on the events leading up to the accident and the extent of the suspects' involvement.

Key Takeaways

• Ghana police arrested 4 more suspects in Tema-Mpakadan train accident.
• Suspects charged with abetment of crime for unlawful damage to railway.
• Suspects allegedly placed stones on tracks to cross with a truck, causing collision.
• Accident raises concerns about railway safety and unauthorized track access.
• Investigation ongoing to determine full circumstances and suspects' involvement.