KOTA KINABALU: A van driver sustained minor injuries while three others escaped unscathed when a train rammed into the van they were traveling in close to Papar near here.
The four, comprising the van driver and three passengers, were going past the railroad near Jalan Perumahan Kampung Anak Kinarut on Wednesday evening prior to the accident.
Papar OCPD Deputy Supt Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka said the railway gate was open, as it was not functioning during the 6.05pm incident.
“Coincidentally, the van suddenly broke down in the middle of the railway track as the train was approaching,” he said when contacted.
The four people in the van managed to get out of the vehicle and escaped, just moments before the train crashed into it, he said.
DSP Kamaruddin said initial investigations found that the loco pilot had rang the alert bell as he neared the van.
“The train driver only realised there was a van on the railway as he was about 20m away from the vehicle and could not brake in time,” he said.
He said the van driver did not realise that the train was nearby as the railway gate was opened, indicating that it was safe to cross.
DSP Kamaruddin said the gatekeeper has been apprehended to facilitate investigations for causing hurt.
Those with information about this incident have been asked to contact investigating officer Inspector Wong Yew Zhung at 010-5635169.
