Alert train driver averts mishap, 30 RTC bus passengers saved

By Express News Service | Published: 21st October 2016

SRIKAKULAM: A major accident was averted after an alert train driver, noticing a bus stuck on a railway level crossing, stopped the train just 20 to 30 feet from the bus, even as many passengers jumped out of the bus.

The incident occurred at level crossing near Palavalasa of Sompeta mandal caused due to communication gap between the railway gateman and the authorities of the nearest railway station.

According to sources, at around 1 pm railway gateman Bharathi failed to close the gate as there was no signal from the Haripuram station. The RTC bus was ferrying 30 passengers to Ichapuram from Palasa and while crossing the gate, got stuck on the tracks.

Noticing the train, the tense railway gateman closed the gate, to the terror of the bus passengers.

The Duronto Express driver however noticed the bus and halted the train 20 to 30 feet from the bus. The bus driver blew the horn and tried to move the vehicle forward but in vain. Some bus passengers screamed and jumped out and sustained minor injuries.

Immediately the gateman opened the gates and the bus moved back. The whole incident is said to have occurred in less than a minute, said a source. The railway authorities are inquiring about the incident.