Accra-Bound Train Derails After Collision With Stray Cattle at Avenor
- A train from Tema derailed after colliding with stray cattle in Accra
- Rising concerns over cattle invasion in urban Accra linked to festive seasons
- Previous train accidents in Avenor highlight ongoing issues with livestock on tracks
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A train from Tema heading to Accra derailed after a collision with stray cattle at Avenor in Accra.
Graphic Online reported that the accident happened after two cows strayed onto the railroad.
Source: Getty Images
It resulted in commuters getting stranded as they could not continue their journey.
Nobody has come forward to claim ownership of the cattle despite efforts by officials and residents to identify the owners.
The train itself was not significantly damaged; however, the wooden boards beneath the rails suffered some deterioration.
Engineers were later deployed to the scene to begin repair works on the affected section of the rail line.
Technical officers also commenced assessments to determine the extent of damage caused to the track and the train.
In recent weeks, there have been mounting concerns about the invasion of cattle in urban areas in Accra.
Later on May 21, the Public Accounts Committee has called on the Greater Accra Regional Minister to urgently take steps to shut down the livestock market at Kanda near the National Mosque, warning that ongoing cattle and goat trading at the site is negatively impacting the capital.
Similar crash at Avenor involving cattle
A train travelling from Odorna Station in Accra to Tema derailed after it collided with a cow that had been tied to the railway line at Avenor.
No passengers were injured in the June 6, 2025 incident, but the cow died.
3News reported that the cow's owner reportedly failed to remove it in time before the oncoming train arrived.
At the time, some residents in the area blamed the Eid season, which has led to an influx of more livestock for celebrations.
Similar reasons are being given for the invasion of cattle in 2026.
The crash in 2025 damaged the tracks, beams, and shock absorbers, leading to a temporary suspension of services on the Accra-Tema railway line.
The train transports over 300 passengers daily.
Source: UGC
There are encroachment concerns near the tracks. Structures, livestock pens, makeshift homes, and vendors have taken over large portions of land around the railway lines.
Goats, rams, and cows roam freely along the tracks.
The accident has renewed public calls for the enforcement of railway buffer zone regulations.
The accident has once again highlighted the critical need for strict enforcement of the 50-metre railway buffer zone to prevent further loss of life and infrastructure damage.
Tema-Mpakadan train involved in crash
On April 18, 2024, YEN.com.gh reported that the Tema-Mpakadan train crashed into a truck transporting cement blocks that was stuck on the track.
The train was conducting a test run of the train on that same rail line at that moment, resulting in the impact.
The suspects involved in the crash were charged with multiple breaches of the Railway Act, including endangering persons on the train.
Source: YEN.com.gh
