Shahelmey visiting the railway accident victim’s family at Kampung Muhibbah Putatan.
PUTATAN (Nov 22): The construction and enhancement of the pedestrian overpass in Petagas are expected to significantly improve safety for the local community following Tuesday’s fatal train accident.
Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said that planning for the overpass began last year and is now being prioritised.
He explained that the project involves upgrading the existing structure.
“In the recently approved 2025 Sabah State Budget, plans for constructing the pedestrian overpass in this area were included.
“I urge that priority be given to this project in the near future,” he said.
Shahelmey, who is also Sabah Works Minister, shared this when visiting the family of a railway accident victim in Kampung Muhibbah, Putatan today.
He mentioned that the visit was a gesture of care and solidarity with the affected family.
“The purpose of our visit is to meet the victim’s family, understand their situation, and check on one of the injured victims.”
Also present during the visit were Malaysia Welfare Department director general Datuk Che Murad Sayang, Sabah Railway Department director Mohd Safri Abdul Habi, Sabah Welfare Services Department director Jais Asri, and representatives from the Information Department.
The tragic accident, involving a train traveling from Beaufort to Kota Kinabalu claimed the life of 41-year-old Lena Gabin. Her 11-year-old son was critically injured and is still undergoing hospital treatment.
The Sabah Railway Department will activate a Board of Enquiry to investigate the incident.
Lena and and her son were attempting to cross the railway track when they were hit by the train around 2pm.
She was killed instantly while her son’s leg was severed and sustained injuries to his hands and head.
Witnesses said the mother had tried to save her son by pushing him away before the train hit them.
She was believed to have just picked up her son from school and were walking home to Kampung Muhibbah, by passing the railway tracks.
