Panic in Port Harcourt as Train Rams into Vehicles at Woji Crossing

Panic gripped the Woji area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday evening, after a moving train rammed into several vehicles caught in heavy traffic at a railway crossing.

Though no fatalities were confirmed as of press time, several vehicles were badly damaged, and eyewitnesses said many occupants escaped “by a stroke of luck.”

The incident, which occurred during peak traffic hours, left bystanders in shock as drivers and passengers scrambled for safety when the train blared its horn moments before impact.

Reacting to the near tragedy, the traditional ruler of Evo Kingdom and Chairman of the Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers, King Leslie Eke, expressed concern over the incident, describing it as “an avoidable tragedy that could have claimed many lives.”

“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,” King Eke said in a statement on Wednesday.

He extended his sympathies to victims whose vehicles were destroyed and urged the relevant authorities to treat the incident as a wake-up call.

“I extend my heartfelt sympathy to those affected and urge all relevant authorities to treat this as a wake-up call,” he said.

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

King Eke strongly criticised the lack of proper warning systems and effective traffic control mechanisms at the railway crossing, saying negligence and poor planning continue to endanger lives across Rivers State.

“The absence of functional barriers, warning signals, and safety officers at critical rail crossings is unacceptable,” he said. “It is not just a local issue—it is about the lives of Nigerians.”

The monarch called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the Rivers State Government, and the Federal Ministry of Transportation to urgently improve railway safety infrastructure across the state.

“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.

Several residents who witnessed the collision described the chaotic scene as terrifying. One eyewitness told The Punch that traffic had built up for several minutes before the train appeared without any official on site to clear the gridlock.

“The vehicles were trapped. There was no signal, no barrier. People just started shouting when they heard the train horn,” the resident said. “Some jumped out of their cars and ran before the crash happened.”

Another commuter, identified as Chika, said the train driver applied the brakes but could not stop in time.

“The train dragged one of the cars for a few metres. It was a miracle that nobody died,” she added.

King Eke further appealed to motorists and road users to exercise caution and patience when approaching railway intersections, particularly during gridlocks.

“We must also take personal responsibility,” he advised. “Road users should be extra careful when approaching rail lines. Safety begins with individual discipline.”

The monarch stressed that rail accidents can be prevented through a combination of public awareness, stricter enforcement, and modern safety systems at level crossings.