TheNewsGuru

Tag: train

  • FG postpone start of Port Harcourt-Aba train service

    FG postpone start of Port Harcourt-Aba train service

    The Federal Government has postponed the launch of the Port Harcourt-Aba train service to April from the initially planned start date at the end of March.

    The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali, disclosed this to journalists after inspecting the reconstructed railway tracks in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    Alkali expressed disappointment over the delay and stressed that the contractor had given assurances of the project completion in April.

    “This is my second time visit to Port Harcourt to inspect the progress of the (Port Harcourt-Aba) railway line since assuming office as the Minister of Transportation.

    “The contractor initially committed to a March start date, but during track inspections, they made some observations necessitating the extension of the start date to April.

    “The contractor has now committed to an April launch for the Port Harcourt to Aba railway services,” he said.

    Alkali said that measures were also being taken to connect both Port Harcourt and Onne seaports to the Port Harcourt to Aba rail track.

    “We are not satisfied over the failure of the contractor to deliver the work on the agreed deadline.

    “The contractor promised delivery of the project by March, but if they can deliver it in April, then I think that we can manage that.

    “We started with the 15 per cent component in fixing the Port Harcourt to Aba rail section, but we now, focussing on linking the line to Port Harcourt and Onne Ports,” he explained.

    The minister assured of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects across the country.

    Regarding the Calabar-Enugu-Abuja gauge rail line awarded by the previous administration, Alkali mentioned ongoing efforts to finalize project financing.

    “We are currently making all arrangements for the finances, and as soon as the finance is ready, the project will commence.

    “We are dedicated to delivering all projects in all parts of the country,” he affirmed.

    Alkali noted that work on the Ibadan to Abuja standard gauge rail line was progressing, urging public patience and support successful project delivery.

  • FG announces date to commence PH-Aba train service

    FG announces date to commence PH-Aba train service

    The Federal Government, on Saturday, says train services on Port Harcourt to Aba route will start operation by the end of March.

    The Port Harcourt-Aba rail project is part of the larger Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railroad project initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    Mr Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) disclosed this in Port Harcourt after leading a delegation to test-run the reconstructed of Eastern Narrow Guage Rail line.

    He said workers were currently putting finishing touches on the tracks to ensure that full train operation could begin within the month.

    “I am impressed with what I saw today, especially being able to ride the locomotive and wagon on the tracks.

    “Last time we visited, we could not use the train because the contractor said it was not proper to run on the train due to imbalance of the tracks.

    “The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, has directed that the Port Harcourt route be connected to rail as well as initiate the linkage of Onne Port,” he said.

    Okhiria expressed confidence that the contractor would complete the ‘tampering’ of the railroad within two weeks, preceding the targeted three weeks for the train services to resume.

    “We are pushing the contractor to make the track safe by deploying semi-automatic signalling of the machine points rather than manual operation.

    “Despite resource challenges, the contractors are doing their best, and our goal is to achieve this within the next two weeks.

    “With this, we aim to commence passenger train services hopefully within March and fully resume transporting people from Port Harcourt to Aba by the end of March,” he assured.

    The managing director said the project design team had started designing a rail track to connect the Port Harcourt-Aba railroad line to the Onne sea port.

    He stated that NRC had begun collaborating with the port’s terminal manager and leading engineers to ensure a smooth project delivery.

    “The initial design has been done and handed over to us. We look at it, make corrections and seek approval. Once approved, work will commence,” he added.

    Regarding transport fares, Okhiria mentioned that due to the current high cost of diesel, commuters might have to pay higher fares than what was obtainable before.

    He said if NRC could not cover 100 per cent fuel cost, the corporation would aim to generate at least 50 per cent from passengers to sustain operations.

    “Additionally, we will assess the conditions of the roads with intent to cover at least 50 per cent of the road costs.

    “The government is working with relevant security agencies to ensure adequate security of the rain line, and the linkage of security devices from the trains to the control room.

    “Communities should protect what the government is putting in place for us. We are striving to ensure that people who come on the train are safe,” he said.

    Okhiria cautioned traders against conducting business on the rail lines, as the trains would no longer slow down for them to remove their goods before passing.

    He said that the trains were scheduled to run according to fixed times across all railroads in the country.

  • Court refuses bail application of BRT driver who rammed into train

    Court refuses bail application of BRT driver who rammed into train

    An Ikeja High Court has refused the bail application of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Oluwaseun Osibanjo, who allegedly caused grievous harm and involuntary manslaughter by running into a moving train.

    Justice Oyindamola Ogala gave the ruling on Friday in Lagos.

    Ogala in her ruling, held that the defendant’s health was stable after spending seven weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and discharged to face trial.

    Ogala ruled that the defendant could continue to receive the care in custody.

    According to her, the medical director of the custodial centre was the only authorised person to issue a medical report that indicated the need for the defendant to get external medical care.

    She said: “The law is well settled to the effect that when in detention or custody the responsibility of affording the applicant access to proper medical facilities rests with those in whose custody he is, invariably the prison authorities.

    “It is pertinent to state that though the applicant has placed before the court an exhibit (medical report) showing his state of health, same indicates that the defendant had stayed in the hospital for a total of seven weeks and has been discharged from the ICU and fit for trial.

    “The defendant has also not shown that the correctional centre does not have the required facilities to take adequate care of him.

    “The court in its considered view finds that at this time, the instant case does not warrant the exercise of its discretion in favour of granting the defendant bail.

    “The defendant’s application for bail is hereby refused.”

    Earlier, the Defence Counsel, Mr Lekan Egberongbe, prayed the court to grant Osibanjo bail to receive medical care.

    Egberongbe said the defendant was an outstanding staff of Lagos state.

    “My lord, the defendant has promised the court that he will not jump bail, escape upon release or interfere with the investigation.

    “We pray the court to grant bail to the defendant,” he said.

    The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins, however, urged the court to refuse Osibanjo bail.

    Martins argued that the defendant was a flight risk.

    “My lord, the witness may be scared of the weight of sentences the charges against him carry.

    “Moreover, there are number of witnesses against him and he may likely interfere with the investigation, if granted bail.

    “We hereby urge this honourable court to refuse the bail of the defendant,” he said.

    Two witnesses had on May 26 testified against Osinbajo.

    The defendant is standing trial on a 16-count bordering on involuntary manslaughter and previous harm, preferred against him by the state government.

    The offences contravened Sections Sections 224 and 245 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State Criminal, 2015.

    The case was adjourned until Oct. 20 for continuation of trial.

    NAN

  • Pandemonium as dozens feared dead after train crash in India

    Pandemonium as dozens feared dead after train crash in India

    Pandemonium as dozens of people were feared dead, 132 were injured after an express passenger train derailed in India’s eastern Odisha state on Friday.

    Pradeep Kumar Jena, Odisha’s top official, confirmed that 132 injured people had been taken to three local healthcare centres, called CHCs.

    The train had left from eastern West Bengal state at 3.30pm and was scheduled to reach southern Chennai in Tamil Nadu city on Saturday.

    “Preliminary reports have revealed that several compartments went off the rails. Medical teams rushed to the spot,” said Aditya Kumar Chowdhury, chief public relations officer of Southeastern Railway.

    Balasore’s top officer Dattatraya Shinde said that about 100 people had been rescued but nearly 200 were still trapped.

    “The rescue operation is going on. We will know the exact figures tomorrow after the rescue operation is over,” Mr Shinde told Republic TV, a news channel.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while reacting to the incident said he was distressed by  his thoughts are with the bereaved families.

    January last year, nine people were killed and dozens injured after a dozen coaches of a train derailed in West Bengal state.

    In 2016, at least 150 people died and more than 150 were injured in one of the deadliest train accidents in the country after a train derailed in northern Kanpur city.

  • Lagos Train-bus accident: 66 patients out of hospital

    Lagos Train-bus accident: 66 patients out of hospital

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says 66 patients involved in the train-bus collision accident have been treated and discharged from five state public health facilities.

    Abayomi disclosed this in a situation update about the accident on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The state had on March 10 and March 12 discharged 53 patients involved in the accident from three state hospitals.

    According to him, after a successful two-stage triage, no other fatality was recorded among the survivors of the accident.

    “Back-to-back surgeries are being conducted on patients that needed surgeries at LASUTH to ensure everyone is discharged as soon as possible

    “Total number of patients on admission as of today, March 15 are 30.

    “There are 26 patients at LASUTH, two at General Hospital, Odan-Lagos and another two at General Hospital, Gbagada.

    “Total number of passengers discharged as of today is 66,” he said.

    Abayomi disclosed that the fatality figure from the accident remains six which include two at the site of accident and four at LASUTH during resuscitation.

    Recalled that a Lagos State Government staff bus carrying civil servants from Isolo to Alausa collided with a train at PWD Bus-Stop, along Agege Motor Road.

    There were 85 passengers on board the bus and 17 persons associated with the accident, making 102 persons involved.

    The victims of the accident which happened at 7.30 a.m. on March 9 were taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for treatment.

    Survivors with varying degrees of injuries and life-threatening conditions were admitted and treated at LASUTH.

    25 patients with moderate injuries were later referred to three general hospitals and the Trauma Centre, Tollgate, for further treatment and to decongest LASUTH.

  • Lagos BRT bus-train accident: Driver begs for forgiveness

    Lagos BRT bus-train accident: Driver begs for forgiveness

    Mr Oluwaseun Osinbajo, driver of the BRT bus involved in the collision with a train in Lagos State, has asked families of victims for forgiveness.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Osinbajo as saying the collision was as a result of a mechanical fault.

    Recall that the driver who works with the Lagos State Ministry of Transport was transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (SCIID) on Friday.

    The passenger train and the BRT bus conveying workers to their work places in Lagos collided on  Thursday morning.

    According to reports, about six persons died from the collision while many sustained various degrees of injuries.

    “It was not my fault. How could I have ignored warning signs? The bus had a mechanical fault. It is a pity this has happened. I beg everyone affected to please forgive me in the name of God,” the BRT bus driver said.

    Meanwhile, the police has said the outcome of the medical report, among which was a  blood sample to ascertain if the driver was on drugs or mentally fit, was yet to be out as of the time of writing this report.

    The driver of the Lagos State Government Staff bus was blamed for the incident that occured at the PWD/Shogunle railway line on the Agege motor road, Lagos.

    Some survivors said the 44-year-old driver had his earpiece on while driving and that he ignored the directive of the Flag Officers at the rail line.

  • Train Crash: Sanwo-Olu halts campaigns, declares flag flown at half-mast

    Train Crash: Sanwo-Olu halts campaigns, declares flag flown at half-mast

    To commensurate with the families of affected victims in a train crash that occurred on Thursday in the Ikeja area of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared political campaigns suspended and national flags to be flown at half-mast.

    Several people were injured after a passenger train crushed into a Lagos State Government staff bus on its way from Ikotun en route to Alausa, the state secretariat, at the PWD area Ikeja on Thursday morning.

    Sanwo Olu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, stated the declaration by the Governor on his Twitter handle.

    He said, “Breaking: Gov @jidesanwoolu suspends campaigns, enjoins others to show the true spirit of Lagos. He thanks all medical personnel and other officials who responded promptly to the incident.

    “Gov directs flags be flown at half mast and workers to observe a half day of work tomorrow.”

    The casualties recorded in the incident (as of the time) include 85 passengers on board and six deaths, 42 moderate injuries, 29 serious injuries, and eight mild injuries.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had reported that the bus with registration no 04A- 48LA on Thursday morning was crushed by a moving train at PWD, Ikeja area of Lagos.

    The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the accident in a statement.

    “The accident recorded many casualties as the staff bus is fully loaded with govt staff going to the office this morning,” the statement added.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathered that the BRT Bus was crossing the track when the speeding train hit it.

  • UPDATE: Lagos Train/bus collision, 6 confirmed casualties, 80 Injured

    UPDATE: Lagos Train/bus collision, 6 confirmed casualties, 80 Injured

    The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, has given an update on the Lagos bus/train collision.

    According to NEMA, 2 adult females staff of the State Government died on the spot and several injured evacuated.

    And 4 additional fatalities have died on arrival at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital out of the 84 injured and evacuated to the hospital.

    After a report the Lagos Territorial Office Emergency Response team mobilised to the scene of a bus/train collision.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalled that the State Government staff bus was trying to cross the PWD/Sogunle rail crossing while the train coming into Lagos from Abeokuta trapped the bus on its rail.

  • (PHOTOS) Many feared dead as train runs into Lagos BRT Bus

    (PHOTOS) Many feared dead as train runs into Lagos BRT Bus

    A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) with registration no 04A- 48LA, carrying Lagos State Government staff, was on Thursday morning crushed by a moving train at PWD, Ikeja area of Lagos.

    The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the accident in a statement.

    “The accident recorded many casualties as the staff bus is fully loaded with govt staff going to the office this morning,” the statement added.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathered that the BRT Bus was crossing the track when the speeding train hit it.

    BRT is a high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective services at metro-level capacities. It does this through the provision of dedicated lanes, with busways and iconic stations typically aligned to the center of the road, off-board fare collection, and fast and frequent operations.

    Because BRT contains features similar to a light rail or metro system, it is much more reliable, convenient and faster than regular bus services.

    With the right features, BRT is able to avoid the causes of delays that typically slow regular bus services, like being stuck in traffic and queuing to pay on board.

    BRT Corridor

    A BRT corridor is a section of road or contiguous roads served by a bus route or multiple bus routes with a minimum length of 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) that has dedicated bus lanes.

    The BRT Standard is to be applied to specific BRT corridors rather than to a BRT system as a whole because the quality of BRT in cities with multiple corridors can vary significantly.

    See the photos below

    Many feared dead as train runs into Lagos BRT Bus, rescue operations ongoing (PHOTOS) Many feared dead as train runs into Lagos BRT Bus, rescue operations ongoing (PHOTOS) Many feared dead as train runs into Lagos BRT Bus, rescue operations ongoing (PHOTOS)

  • BREAKING: Train collides with BRT bus in Lagos

    BREAKING: Train collides with BRT bus in Lagos

    There are reports that a fatal accident occurred involving a passenger train and a Lagos state government BRT staff bus at PWD junction, Ikeja area of the state on Thursday.

    The incident occurred around Ikeja, Thursday morning.

    As of the time of filing this report, it was not clear how the BRT Bus found its way to the train tracks.

    Details to follow…