The driver of the abandoned Truck on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line, which caused a train crash on Thursday, 18th April, 2024 has been jailed for six months.
The accident occurred, when a new government train procured from Poland was undergoing a test run within the Asuogyaman District on Thursday, April 18.
In a press statement, the Ministry of Railways Development explained that “as the train approached the curve at Km76+100, it encountered a stationary vehicle, obstructing the rail track, resulting in the accident”.
Despite the immediate application of the emergency braking system, the train was unable to come to a complete stop before colliding with the vehicle.
The Ghana Police Service arrested the driver of the Hyundai truck with registration number GS 9018 – 20 on Thursday, April 18.
Preliminary investigations established that the suspected driver left the truck unattended to on the railway line, leading to a collision with the new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train.
In light of these events, Abel Dzidotor, the suspected driver, was convicted and sentenced on Friday, April 19, after admitting guilt to three out of the four charges leveled against him.
According to Citi News’ Benjamin Aklama, these charges include inconsiderate driving and causing unlawful damage.
The first charge was for careless and inconsiderate driving, a violation of Section 3 of the RTA Act 683 (2004), as amended by Act 761 of 2008. Mr Dzidotor pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 100 penalty units, equivalent to a potential 20-month prison term if not paid.
The second charge was for unauthorised stopping, in violation of Section 19 of Act 683 of 2004, as amended by Act 761 of 2008. Mr Dzidotor pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 penalty units, or a five-month jail term if unpaid.
The third charge was for causing unlawful damage, contrary to Section 172b of Act 2960. The accused pleaded guilty and received a six-month sentence of hard labour.
The fourth charge was for failing to produce a driver’s license, contrary to regulation 47(2) of LI 21(80). Mr Dzidotor pleaded not guilty, asserting that his license was within the damaged vehicle.
He has been instructed to present the license to the court by May 9, 2024, or face potential consequences.
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