The loco pilot of a goods train averted a major accident by applying emergency brakes after spotting iron garters and cement pillars on the tracks near Dibnapur railway station here, officials said on Saturday. Superintendent of Police (North) Mukesh Chandra Mishra said that the incident took place late Friday night in Hafizganj police station area.
Bareilly Izzatnagar division PRO of North Eastern Railway, Rajendra Singh, said the emergency brake slowed the train before it hit the barrier, causing only engine damage.
“As the goods train from Pilibhit was going towards Bareilly, the driver noticed a blockage on the track. Responding quickly, they applied emergency brakes, thereby saving the train from derailment,” he said.
“Although the train engine was damaged due to the impact of the collision, the important thing is that it did not cause any further accidents,” Singh said.
After the incident, railway and police teams reached the spot. The PRO said that mischievous elements had placed cement benches and broken 1.25 meter long iron garter pillars on the tracks.
“He had a narrow escape,” Singh said. The alert loco pilot saved his life. Had he not applied emergency brakes, the goods train could have derailed, causing huge damage and loss of life and property.’
The police were immediately informed and a formal report was lodged at the Hafizganj police station.
SP Mishra said that both police and railway officials are investigating the matter.
The Railways also conducted a thorough inspection of the tracks, ensuring that there was no further disruption, before allowing the goods train to continue its journey after a two-hour delay.
The incident also caused delays in other trains, as operations were temporarily disrupted during the evacuation process.
