KOTA KINABALU, Nov 19 — A woman was killed and her 11-year-old son lost his foot in a train accident in Petagas here yesterday.

The boy, a Standard Five pupil, survived and was seen being comforted by passers-by, while the body of his mother, 41-year-old Lena Gabin, lay nearby after being dragged approximately 20 metres by the train.

He was later rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment of his injuries, which included wounds to his head and arms, reportedly caused when he was pushed to the ground.

Putatan Fire and Rescue Services Department chief Noorsherriyana Bohari said they received a call at 1.58pm about the incident, which occurred on the railway tracks in front of Kampung Petagas, Putatan.

Preliminary information suggests the mother had just picked up her son from Sekolah Kebangsaan Petagas, located nearby, and was heading home to Kampung Muhibbah when they crossed paths with the oncoming train.

The train, travelling from Beaufort to Kota Kinabalu, was halted for about two hours while authorities cleared the scene.

It remains unclear how the accident occurred. Local residents said trains typically sound their horn as they approach the area, which has multiple village crossings.

Police have yet to issue a statement on the incident.