KOTA KINABALU: Twelve primary school teachers involved in a terrifying experience on a runaway train in Tenom district have been given counselling, says Sabah Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin.
He said the teachers and school support staff of SK Pangi who were involved in the incident, though shaken, have returned to work.
“Although they went through a frightening experience, no teacher reported suffering trauma to the extent of being unable to continue their duties.
“We are thankful that the teachers, students and the school’s support group are safe,” he said.
On March 3, a train approaching Pangi Station experienced brake failure.
Villagers quickly intervened using a motorcycle trolley to intercept and bring it to a stop.
Motorcycle trolleys are used by locals as their main means of transport between the station and nearby settlements.
The Sabah Railway Department has set up a Board of Inquiry into the incident, while the state minister in charge of the department, Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, will brief the Sabah Cabinet about the findings.
Raisin, who planned to visit the school, has to wait until train service is restored.
“That route depends entirely on the train. There are no other transport options apart from motorcycles or trolleys along it,” he said.
On relocating the school, he said there are no plans because, though small, SK Pangi is important to the villagers in the area.
Meanwhile, Melalap assemblyman Datuk Jamawi Jafar said the Public Works Department had briefed him on the construction of the 9.2km Tenom-Tenom Pangi Hydro-Kg Pangi road, which is in progress.
He said the state-funded project involves building a 150m bridge across the Padas River and strengthening existing road slopes.
