TRAIN DERAILS IN IBADAN

A Lagos-bound cargo train skidded off its line in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday. However, no life was lost in the incident. The derailment occurred in the early morning of yesterday along Akobo-Oju Irin level crossing in the capital city. Before the incident, there have been calls on the management of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to reconstruct a barrier at the junction where the incident happened to prevent loss of lives. It was learnt that the train was coming from the northern part of the country when it derailed.

 One resident in the area, Ilori Tolulope, said he heard a loud noise of the train as it fell off the rail line. The accident damaged the rail line and the train, it was learnt.

 Another resident who did not want his name in print said the railway level crossing in the area is so porous that in recent times, many residents have lost their lives, because the barrier/drop down used for closing traffic at the approach of oncoming trains has broken down.

The Nation gathered that at the approach of a train, officials of the corporation only come out to wave to vehicles to stop to prevent accident.

Residents who spoke with our correspondent pleaded with the management of the corporation to find an urgent solution before more lives are lost.