Pressmediaofindia
Related Articles
Thiruvananthapuram Dec 14 (PMI) A major rail accident was narrowly averted on Tuesday night after an autorickshaw was found on the railway tracks, forcing the Vande Bharat Express to make an emergency stop near Akathumuri Halt station in Thiruvananthapuram district.
Train No. 20633, operating from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, was passing through the Varkala–Kadakkavur section around 10.10 pm when the loco pilot spotted the autorickshaw obstructing the down line. Reacting swiftly, the pilot applied emergency brakes and brought the high-speed train to a halt, averting a possible disaster.
Railway officials said the autorickshaw was found unattended, with no driver or passengers present at the scene. Personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), engineering wing and local police rushed to the spot and removed the vehicle from the track. Television visuals showed the autorickshaw damaged and lying across the rails.
After a thorough safety inspection, the Vande Bharat Express resumed its journey at around 11.15 pm. No injuries or casualties were reported among passengers, railway staff or the public. Normal train operations on the section were restored shortly thereafter.
Despite the delay, the train reached Thiruvananthapuram Central at 11.50 pm, officials said.
Railway authorities credited the alertness and timely action of the loco pilot for preventing a potentially major accident. The RPF later took the autorickshaw driver, identified as Sudhi, into custody. Officials said he was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol. (pressmediaofindia.com)
