Ogona Anita
A major tragedy was narrowly averted yesterday in Woji, Port Harcourt, as a moving train rammed into several vehicles stranded on the railway tracks due to a heavy traffic gridlock. The horrifying incident occurred at the Woji rail crossing, sending shockwaves through the community and leaving witnesses in utter disbelief.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, as blaring horns and panicked shouts filled the air moments before the collision. Although there were no confirmed fatalities at press time, multiple vehicles were severely damaged, and several persons narrowly escaped with their lives.
Speaking on the incident, the Woji Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji, Eze Eze (Woji XII), and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Area Traditional Rulers, His Majesty King Prof. Leslie N. Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, expressed profound concern over the incident and extended 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,” His Majesty said.
King Eke, known for his vocal advocacy on issues of public safety and urban planning, 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,” he declared.
The monarch further advised road users to remain vigilant 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. Local resident, Mrs. 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.”
Authorities have yet to release an official statement 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.
