Train collision results in damaged Land Cruiser near Almaty.
In the wee hours of June 15, a bone-chilling incident unfolded at a railway crossing between the stations of Zhinishkeisu and Shelek. But luck was on our side, as reported by Liter.kz, citing KTZ. Here's the lowdown.
This time, it wasn't a tragedy - no casualties, just a broken arm for the unfortunate driver. The smash-up occurred on the section of Zhetigen - Altynkol, where the road intersects with the tracks.
JSC "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" (KTZ) confirmed that the driver had a close call with a freight train. They went on to explain that medical assistance was administered on the spot.
According to railway workers, the crossing where the collision took place was properly marked, with all necessary warning signs in place. Yet, it seems the driver couldn't outrun fate. He didn't make it.
Rollercoaster Ride: Another Close Call - This Time in Jambyl Region
The train crew sprang into action - emergency braking, communication with the dispatcher, swift situation assessment. The train restarted after a minor 30-minute delay, with no serious damage to the train or its cargo.
KTZ is grateful that nobody lost their life - it might have been easy to overlook the damage to the driver's arm.
It's important to note that this is the 23rd road-train accident in 2025. Most of these collisions are due to drivers ignoring rules and signals.
Luck has been on the side of locomotive crews this year, as they've foiled 32 potential accidents by spotting lawbreakers in advance, thus saving lives.
Railway workers want to remind us all: never trifle with fate at a railway crossing. A moment of overconfidence could cost a life.
Caution: High Risk Ahead?
Are Kazakhstan's trains a risk to life? Passengers demand changes. Who has the right to the lower berth in Kazakhstan's trains? Passengers on the Pavlograd - Kyzylorda train complain about water leaking from the ceiling of their compartment.
Safety Measures
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Ongoing efforts to modernize railway infrastructure can reduce accident risks.
- Regulatory Compliance: Kazakhstan adheres to specific regulations to ensure safety.
- Technology Integration: AI-based collision avoidance systems and crossing safety tools could improve safety.
Challenges
- Capacity Constraints: Temporary bans on cargo processing arise due to capacity issues at ports like Kuryk.
- Infrastructure Compatibility: The usage of Russian gauge tracks necessitates transshipment or gauge-changing bogies.
- Regulatory Harmonization: Differences in customs procedures, signaling systems, and safety standards complicate international rail operations.
- The incident at the Zhinishkeisu-Shelek railway crossing, though luckily resulting in no fatalities, highlights the need for increased safety in the transportation industry, especially at busy intersection points like the one between Zhetigen and Altynkol.
- Despite the general news being filled with tragic car-accidents, it's encouraging to note that the automotive industry in Kazakhstan has made significant strides in accident prevention, with train crews foiling 32 potential accidents this year by spotting lawbreakers in advance.
- In the realm of finance, mainstream news outlets often overlook the less sensational but equally important stories, such as the cost-saving measures implemented by KTZ, like ongoing infrastructure upgrades aimed at reducing accident risks.
- As the debate over railway safety continues, passengers express concerns about potential risks, demanding changes not just in Kazakhstan, but also in terms of international rail operations, where harmonized regulations, signaling systems, and safety standards are essential for smooth and safe operations.
