Alert loco pilot averts train accident in Odisha

Cuttack: A major train accident was averted today due to the presence of mind and alertness of the loco pilot in Odisha’s Cuttack district.

As per the available information, Cuttack-Brahmapur Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train was stopped immediately after its driver saw a Red Flag due to damage on the tracks.

The incident took place near Balikuda station in Cuttack at around 6.20 pm.

So far, no damage to life or property has been reported.

After about 40 minutes, the MEMU train was allowed to pass the site at slow speed. The traffic is normalized now, a railway spokesperson said.

Following the incident, the East Coast Railways (ECoR) has ordered an inquiry into the incident. “Divisional Railway Manger (DRM), Khurda Road, Brajmohan Agarwal has constituted a 4-member enquiry committee of officers and submit a detailed report in 48 hours,” the spokesperson added.

According to ECoR, a work for construction of Foot Over Bridge was under progress at Gopalpur Balikuda from 1420 hrs to 1620 hrs. A road crane was used for this purpose and it was found that the Road Crane had damaged a few sleepers and some rails on the track.

Following this, a Red Flag was put at the site immediately, it added.

Meanwhile, the senior officials of ECoR rushed to the spot to enquire about the incident. After preliminary investigation, the railway officials got to know that around 1 feet-long track was damaged by the crane due to sheer negligence.

Sources said the Road Crane has been seized and its driver was arrested on charges of negligence and irresponsibility.