Commuters, Motorists Cheat Death As Train Rams Into Vehicles At Woji Rail Crossing

Woji Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State narrowly missed a major tragedy as a train rammed into several vehicles stranded on the railway tracks which run through the community.

Eye witnesses told Kristina Reports that the horrifying incident, which occurred at the Woji rail crossing, resulted from heavy traffic gridlock on the Woji and Rumuibekwe Roads in Woji Community.

Kristina Reports learnt that, though no fatalities were recorded as at press time, multiple vehicles were severely damaged, and several persons narrowly escaped with their lives.

Reacting to news of the incident, the Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, His Majesty, King Professor Leslie Eke, JP, Woji XII, Eze Gbakagbaka, expressed concerned over the incident, extending 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.”

King Eke, who is also Chairman of the Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Area Traditional Rulers, condemned the lack of adequate warning systems and effective traffic control at the rail crossing.

He 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.”

The monarch enjoined road users to maintain vigilance and exercise patience when navigating through traffic-prone areas, especially near railway lines.

Community members also decried the absence of traffic officials during peak hours, noting that the gridlock leading to the collision had persisted for hours before the train arrived.

A resident, Grace Ude, who witnessed the incident, said, “We were stuck for over an hour. There was no LASTMA or police presence. Suddenly, we saw the train coming. People started screaming and running. It was terrifying.”

As at the time of this report, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Rivers State Government had yet to speak on the cause of the traffic jam or details of the train’s route.

However, preliminary reports suggest that the railway signals at the Woji crossing may have malfunctioned.

Meanwhile, emergency response teams have cleared the scene, and an investigation is expected to commence immediately.

As the people of Woji and greater Port Harcourt reflect on the near-tragedy, calls for enhanced public infrastructure, coordinated traffic management, and rail safety reforms continue to mount.