Villagers stop train after brake failure, no injuries reported

KOTA KINABALU (March 3): Quick thinking by villagers helped stop a Sabah State Railways (JKNS) train after it suffered a brake failure on its way from Tenom to Pangi on Tuesday.

The train, which departed from Tenom at 7.30am, experienced technical problems near Kilometre 134, Pillar 4.

Villagers placed a motorcycle trolley on the tracks to slow the train, preventing a potential accident.

The train driver and passengers, mostly teachers from SK Pangi, were unharmed.

A video capturing the tense moment went viral on social media.

State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said he had been briefed on the incident and urged JKNS to conduct a full investigation and take immediate steps to prevent a recurrence.

“I also call on the Public Works Department to immediately commence the Tenom-Pangi road project to provide an alternative route,” he said.