GETTING caught on a runaway train is not something most of us would want to experience, but sometimes, quick thinking action can save the day.
A video going viral on social media shows a group of people experiencing tense moments as the barkes on the train they were on apparently failed.
Captions and comments on the viral video indicate that the incident happened in hilly terrain near Tenom in Sabah and that the passengers were saved thanks to the quick-thinking actions of nearby villagers who bravely dragged a motorcycle trolley onto the tracks to stop the runaway train.
Did such an incident happen in Tenom, as alleged in the viral video?
VERDICT:
TRUE
What was supposed to be a routine train ride for a group of teachers heading to SK Pangi near Tenom turned into a terrifying ordeal when the train’s brakes apparently failed earlier Tuesday (March 3).
Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar shared a video capturing the tense moments inside the carriage, showing the teachers praying for their safety as the train sped out of control on the tracks.
Jamawi said that a serious tragedy was averted when nearby villagers took the risky move to place a motorcycle trolley on the tracks to help stop the train.
The Melalap assemblyman described the actions of the villagers as "brave as well as risky".
It is not immediately clear how many people were on board the train and the cause of the brake failure.
The Sabah Railway Department has also yet to issue a statement on the incident.
Jamawi urged the department to conduct a full and immediate investigation into the incident to prevent any recurrence.
He also said that rail transport is a lifeline for residents and civil servants and it was very important to ensure good maintenance of the trains and tracks in the area.
