Alert LP Avert FIRE on Train

Alert Loco Pilot Averts Fire on Miraj-Belgaum Train

By Express News Service - BELGAUM

21st April 2014 09:09 AM

A loco pilot’s presence of mind averted a major fire on the Miraj-Belgaum train at Pachhapur Railway Station, about 73 km from here, on Sunday.

According to sources in the Railways, the pilot of train no. 51461 applied brakes while approaching Pachhapur Railway Station.
He suddenly noticed smoke coming out of the braking system and realised that the axle had gotten stuck because of improper maintenance. The friction and heat caused thick smoke to emanate and this could have even caused a major fire, the sources said.
After the train was brought to a halt at the station, the train staff tried to contact the station master, but he was not available. They then went ahead and rectified the problem under the guidance of the train pilot.
The passengers were kept in the dark to avoid creating panic. After the problem was solved, the train resumed its journey after a delay of around 15 minutes. There were about 500 people on board.
However, Railway authorities denied any such incident, but admitted that the Pachhapur station master was on leave and so, wasn’t available at the station.