Teachers in Tenom runaway train incident given counselling

KOTA KINABALU: A dozen primary school teachers who went through a terrifying experience when a train’s brakes failed in Sabah’s Tenom district have been given counselling, says Sabah Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin.

He said 12 teachers, including support staff from SK Pangi who were involved in the incident, have since returned to their normal duties, although many remain shaken by the ordeal.

“Although they went through a frightening experience, no teacher reported suffering trauma to the extent of being unable to continue their duties, as all have returned to school and are carrying on their work as usual,” he said here on Friday (March 6).

“We are thankful that all teachers, students and the school’s support staff are safe,” he added.

On Tuesday, a train carrying more than a dozen passengers suffered brake failure as it approached Pangi Station.

It is believed the train was eventually brought to a halt after villagers sacrificed their motorcycle trolleys to help stop it.

The Sabah Railway Department has since 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 state cabinet on the findings.

Motorcycle trolleys — small platforms fitted with train wheels — are commonly used to ferry goods and villagers further along the railway line, as rail services in the hilly area terminate at Pangi Station.

Raisin, who had planned to visit SK Pangi but was unable to do so as train services have yet to be restored following the incident, said the railway remains the main mode of transport for teachers and villagers in the area.

“That route depends entirely on the train. Not only teachers but also villagers rely on the same transport.

“If train services can be restored, they will continue to be used because there are no other options apart from motorcycles or trolleys along that route,” he said.

Regarding plans to relocate the school, he said there were none, adding that although the school is small, it remains vital to the local community.

Meanwhile, Melalap assemblyman Datuk Jamawi Jafar said he had been briefed by the Sabah Public Works Department on the progress of construction works for the 9.2km road linking Tenom, Tenom Pangi Hydro and Kg Pangi.

He said the project, funded by the state government, involves the construction of a 150m bridge across the Padas River and slope strengthening works along the existing road, which is currently managed by Tenom Hidro Pangi under Sabah Electricity.