Major train mishap averted in Chennai, thousands saved

Chennai, Feb 15: A major train mishap was averted when the loco pilot of Egmore-bound Sethu Express stopped the train in time near Maraimalainagar, Tamil Nadu.

The train was stopped after the loco pilot learnt of a fracture in the railway track saving the lives of many.

According to the Railway police, the incident was taken into notice by an alert gatekeeper, who waved a red flag after spotting the fracture. However, senior railway officials said that the signal turned red on its own when there was a fracture, as the section is automatic.

The unexpected stoppage of the train at the railway tracks affected the train movements for an hour. The train was later allowed to move at 8.20 am.

According to S Anantharaman, Chennai Divisional Railway Manager, the railway tracks were prone to corrosion because of the droppings from the toilets and its proximity to sea.

He further said that the tracks, of which the life span was about eight to nine years, were changed on a change regular basis with regular monitoring.

OneIndia News