Avoiding the likes of Kubwa train tragedy
Story from Fa’izatu Aliyu DOMA, Abuja
Concerns have been raised about the dangers of crossing and driving through rail tracks following the tragic death of NTA Channel 5 Abuja staff, Selimota Suleiman, who was crushed by a Kaduna-bound train on 15th December at the Chikakore axis of Kubwa in Abuja.
David Bimbola Balogun wrote, people should know that driving through the rail when a train is nearby is a suicide mission as trains generate huge and strong magnetic force.
READ ALSO: Reactions as lady whose car train rammed into was crushed to death in Abuja
Rail tracks are ferromagnetic, and once the car is on the track, the engine will go off. Also, because of the magnetic field, the metals in the car could get locked up tight together hence making it difficult to open the car doors. So for those wondering why she couldn’t drive off, or if the car broke down or those who actually thought she committed suicide, this could be why.
READ ALSO: We didn’t know lady crushed by train was our staff – NTA
Now, a train that looks far away from like 100m, travelling at like 150km/hr will cover 54m in just a second and 100m in less than 2 seconds and can hit an object within 2-3 seconds over the same distance. It’s also pretty difficult for trains to apply brakes at such a short distance.
To summarize all of these, do not try to cross a rail line let alone when a train is approaching! Very instructive.