KOTA KINABALU: A contract worker was injured while seven others escaped unscathed when the modified railway trolley they were travelling on collided with a train in the Tenom district.
The eight individuals were contract workers for a Finance Ministry-funded cleaning project and the Beaufort-Rayoh sector railway service, and were believed to be heading to work when the incident occurred at around 9.25am on Thursday (Jan 23).
Sabah Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya reported that one man sustained minor injuries while the other seven were unharmed.
The trolley was slightly damaged, but the train did not sustain any damages.
A video circulating on social media showed the workers managing to steer their trolley to the side, jumping out of the way upon seeing the oncoming train.
When asked if such modes of transport were permitted, Shahelmey stated that only authorized personnel, such as Railway Department staff, are allowed to use them for maintenance or work purposes.
Even so, there are procedures to follow, he added, noting that those needing to use such trolleys must first obtain approval from the department so that arrangements can be made.