Five-coach goods train derails in Bukit Mertajam

BUKIT MERTAJAM (Feb 9, 2014): A goods train derailed near Taman Tan Sai Ging, here at 3.30am today.
The five-coach train had left southern Thailand at 11am yesterday en route to the south. No loss of life or injuries were reported in the incident.
Following the incident, all cargo and passenger train services in both directions were suspended until work to remove the coaches were completed.
State Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said he received a report on the incident and was waiting for further information from Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).
He said KTMB and the contractor for the track, MMC Gamuda, were investigating the cause of the mishap because it took place on the new tracks for the electric train twin-track project.
"A 100-tonne crane was used to shift the coaches and work is expected to be completed late this evening. The state government views the incident seriously and will seek a complete report from KTMB," he said when contacted here, today.
A resident in the area who wanted be known only as Cheah, in his 50s, said he and his family members were asleep when they were jarred awake by loud grinding sounds which were followed up by a thunderous bang.
"The bang was so loud that we jumped out of bed fearing it could be an earthquake. I left the house to find out what happened.
"From the house, I saw a train, pulling container coaches off its tracks scattering goods on the ground. Fortunately, the train did not hit a house here," he said, adding that his house was less than 10 metres from the tracks.
Meanwhile, efforts to get an explanation from KTMB representatives, who were at the scene failed as they declined to comment, saying a statement would be issued by KTMB's headquarters. – Bernama