Several persons on Tuesday evening escaped death as a moving train rammed into several vehicles that were stranded at a railway crossing due to a heavy traffic gridlock in the Woji area of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Although there were no confirmed fatalities at press time but multiple vehicles were severely damaged, and several persons narrowly escaped.
Speaking on the incident, the traditional ruler of Evo Kingdom, and chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Area Traditional Rulers, King Leslie Eze, expressed profound concern over the incident and extended his heartfelt sympathies to all victims affected by the traumatic experience.
“We are deeply saddened by this avoidable tragedy that could have claimed many lives. It is by divine mercy that we are not mourning today. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to those affected and urge all relevant authorities to treat this as a wake-up call,” Eke said
He condemned the lack of adequate warning systems and effective traffic control at the rail crossing.
The traditional ruler called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the Rivers State government, and the Federal Ministry of Transportation, to urgently improve safety measures along railway crossings across the state.
“This is not just a local issue. It is about the lives of Nigerians. We must act now to ensure rail crossings are equipped with functional barriers, warning signals, and emergency response protocols. What happened in Woji must never happen again,” he declared.
Eke further advised road users to remain vigilant and exercise patience when navigating through traffic gridlock areas, especially near railway lines.
