A train belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Thursday crushed a woman and her car while she allegedly tried to drive across a level-crossing in the Kubwa area of Abuja.
Olisa Ogbechie, an eyewitness,who claimed to have witnessed the accident posted on his Twitter handle saying that the incident happened on Thursday morning.
According to him, the police used force to chase people, who wanted to help away from the scene.
He added:”In an attempt to rescue the victim by first responders and also cover the incident, the policemen at the scene, on-board the train became hostile.I and a few others were brutally assaulted by the policemen as they hit and sprayed pepper spray in my eyes and two others, they pointed guns as they harassed us away from the scene”
James Osaretin,another eyewitness,said the victim got stocked on the rail track and while they were trying to rescue her,policemen at the scene discarded them .
He added: “A lot people who were trying to rescue the woman were beaten by policemen. I had to run for my dare my life .
The Regional Manager, NRC,Pascal Nnoli,confirmed that there was an accident on the train tracks in Kubwa train station but he is yet to get full details that led to the unfortunate incident .
He said he has been at a Board meeting for some days and his is yet to ascertain the cause of death.
He said train services are ongoing and it doesn’t affect any activities at the train station.
Pascal implored residents and farmers living close to the train station to avoid the tracks and be mindful of their activities around the tracks .
Spokesperson of the FCT police command, DSP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident saying it happened along the Chikakore axis in the Kubwa Area council of the FCT December 15.
Adeh, said upon receiving information of the incident, investigators attached to the Byazin Divisional Police Headquarters were drafted swiftly to the scene and took charge of the situation.
She said the victim was confirmed dead by a medical practitioner on ground.
“Investigation has commenced by the Rail way division having jurisdiction over the track. Findings and safety tips already existing will be reiterated to ensure a non repeat of incident shortly.” she added