Major train mishap averted in Nellore, thanks to locomotive pilot's presence of mind

TIRUPATI: A major disaster was averted in the early hours of Sunday when the Narsapur-Dharmavaram Express (Train No. 17247) narrowly escaped a potential accident. Unknown miscreants allegedly placed an iron rail on the tracks between Kavali and Bitragunta stations in Nellore district, causing a brake pipe failure. However, the presence of mind of the train’s locomotive pilot prevented what could have been a tragic incident.

According to sources, the incident occurred around 1.20 am on Sunday when the train collided with the obstructive iron rail piece, resulting in the brake pipe breaking upon impact. The alert locomotive pilot quickly brought the train to a halt and immediately informed railway officials about the situation. Responding swiftly to the distress call, railways engineering staff, security control, and the pointsman rushed to the scene and addressed the issue by coupling the brake pipe.

Investigations have commenced to ascertain the motive behind this dangerous act. “The railway staff discovered a piece of iron rail near the tracks, leading to suspicions of a possible conspiracy or a theft attempt. As part of the investigation, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) officials from Nellore, along with local police, are examining the scene. Sniffer dogs have been deployed to aid in the investigation”, a senior railway official said.

As a result of the incident, the Narsapur-Dharmavaram Express experienced a delay of approximately half-an-hour. Additionally, the effect of the disruption was felt on a few other trains. Passengers on the Santragachi Junction-Chennai Central, Kakinada Town-Tirupati, Kakinada Port-Chennai Egmore, Circar Express, and Kakinada Town-SMVT Bengaluru, Seshadri Express had to endure delay for some time due to the incident, as reported by South Central Railway (SCR) officials.