Thiruvananthapuram: Signal misreading led to chaos
Probe shows red signal was breached accidentally at Oachira
Thiruvananthapuram: A misreading of the signal by the loco pilot of 12696 Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai Express resulted in jumping the signal at the Oachira station on Tuesday as per preliminary reports. The inquiry by the senior divisional safety officer would ascertain whether there was a need for disciplinary action. The train was given green signal to enter the platforms of all the previous stations soon after the 12507 Thiruvananthapuram-Guwahati Express left. However, in Oachira, for safety reasons, the train was given a red signal at the outer before it entered the platform, while the 12507 Guwahati Express was leaving.
The preliminary inquiry revealed that the loco-pilot identified as G. Sudheer breached the signal accidentally, though a red signal was given. The train does not have a halt at the station. However, the breath analyser test and medical examinations have proved that neither Mr Sudheer nor the assistant loco pilot N. S. Krishnadas on duty on the train was under the influence of alcohol. Both the pilots attached to the Kollam depot were shifted from duty immediately after the accident on Tuesday itself. Both were placed under suspension on Wednesday. The train which arrived at the station at 7.38 pm left at 10.49 pm with another crew.