Major tragedy averted as Delhi-bound train jumps red signal

TNN | Updated: Oct 22, 2016, 

(Representative image)

AGRA: A major train tragedywas averted after the New Delhi-bound Magadh Expressjumped the red signal beforeShikohabad station and travelled nearly 1km before finally coming to a stop. The loco pilot, assistant loco pilot and train guard were immediately sent for medical examination for alcohol content. The train was delayed by more than 8 hours following the incident.

The incident took place at 12.19pm on Friday, when the Islampur-New Delhi Express (12401) running more than six hours late, jumped the red signal, creating panic among passengers and ground staff of Shikohabad station.

A source in Firozabad said some passengers noticed that the train had passed the red signal and even made distress calls to Shikohabad station master Ramesh Lal Meena. Even the automatic alarm at the rail traffic signal system went off. Taking precautionary measures, Meena immediately recalled the train.

There were no trains at the Shikohabad station or it would had led to a horrific head-on collision. Speaking to TOI, divisional traffic manager Shivam Sharma of Tundla station said, "A probe into the matter has been initiated. The initial breath analysis test indicates that none of three (loco pilot, assistant loco pilot and train guard) had consumed intoxicants or alcohol."

Latest CommentCriminal case should be filed against the loco team and be immediately sacked from the service. They have endangered the lives of the passengers of the train.SATISH VERMA

"At present we are not sure as to what led to such gross negligence. Now, we are conducting close inspection of other technical records of the train such as speedometer to ascertain if the train speed was beyond the permissible limit near Shikohabad."

The train was dispatched at 2.09pm with a new team of loco pilots and train guard, who were called from Tundla station. The train was delayed for over eight hours.