A fatal accident occurred in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Wednesday morning when a moving train collided with a commercial tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, along Ibrahim Alfa Road by PHOTOTEK Roundabout. The tragic incident claimed at least four lives.
Eyewitnesses said the tricycle rider attempted to outrun the approaching train despite repeated warnings and the blaring of the train’s horn.
Unfortunately, the train rammed into the tricycle before it could clear the railway track.
Residents described the scene as horrifying, as the impact of the collision crushed the tricycle instantly, killing the rider and all passengers on the spot.
“The train’s honk was loud and clear, but the Keke rider ignored it. Before anyone could intervene, the train struck them, and the tricycle was completely destroyed,” an eyewitness, Chioma Okezie, recounted.
The incident caused panic and heavy traffic around the PHOTOTEK Roundabout as sympathizers and onlookers gathered at the scene. Security operatives later arrived to restore order and evacuate the victims’ remains.
Residents lamented the avoidable loss of lives and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety measures at railway crossings.
They also urged authorities to intensify public awareness campaigns on traffic discipline, particularly near train tracks.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Plateau State Commissioner of Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau, described the accident as unfortunate and entirely avoidable.
He explained that a designated level flag bearer had stopped all vehicles to allow the train to pass, but the tricycle rider defied the warning.
“It is unfortunate that lives were lost. The flag bearer stopped all motorists, and they complied, except for the tricycle rider who insisted on moving forward despite being flagged and hearing the train’s horn,” Jatau said.
The Commissioner assured residents that the state government remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property.
He urged commercial transport operators to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and exercise caution at all times.
Jatau added that officials from his ministry immediately engaged community and youth leaders in Dogon Karfe, where the incident occurred, to prevent any breakdown of law and order following the crash.
(National Horizon)
