Fatal train-pickup collision site an illegal crossing – Pairin

KOTA KINABALU: Infrastructure Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has reminded members of the public who make rail track crossings to always be vigilant and alert for any incoming train before crossing.

Pairin's statement came after another fatal train-pickup collision which occurred in Papar two days ago.

In the incident, one person died, another was injured while two other passengers managed to jump off the pickup prior to the collision.

Pairin, speaking to members of the media at the ‘Dendang Jiwa Serumpun 2017' event held at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka near here yesterday, said the Sabah Railway Department held a discussion to find out what really transpired during the unfortunate incident.

“The incident occurred due to human negligence,” he said.

He expressed his sadness that a life had been lost but was also relieved that the others who were on the vehicle were spared.

Pairin added that the driver of the pickup had used an illegal crossing which was also not fenced.

Nevertheless, he said, the people should always be vigilant when crossing the rail tracks and that they should look to the left and to the right to ensure there was no incoming train.

“This is our responsibility to ensure such negligence is reduced,” he .