Mathura Train Accident: Drunk Staff Watching Mobile, Bag on Throttle; Probe Ordered

Following an incident at Mathura Junction Railway Station where an electric multiple unit (EMU) train breached the buffer dead end and entered platform number 2, a joint report on the incident has revealed that the staff member involved was engrossed in his mobile phone and was mildly intoxicated.

According to findings from the Crew Voice & Video Recording System (CVVRS), after the train's arrival at the platform, an employee named Sachin entered the DTC cab (engine) while preoccupied with his mobile phone.

Video footage from inside the cabin revealed that, while carelessly placing his bag on the throttle of the engine, the staff member resumed using his mobile phone. This unintentional action, combined with the bag's pressure on the throttle, shifted it into a forward position, causing the EMU to move toward the platform.

This resulted in the train breaking the platform's dead end, with half of the coach perched on the elevated section of platform number 2, leading to the overhead wire's breakdown.

The report further disclosed that a breathalyzer test administered to Sachin indicated a blood alcohol level of 47 mg/100 ml, which is considered mildly intoxicated.

"He has been sent for a medical test to determine the precise level of alcohol consumption from his blood sample," an Agra Railway Division source explained.

Divisional Railway Manager Tej Prakash Agrawal has suspended five individuals in connection with the incident, including Sachin. Of the remaining four, Harbhajan Singh, Brajesh Kumar, and Kuljeet are technical staff, while Govid Hari Sharma serves as a loco pilot.

"We have suspended five individuals, and a comprehensive investigation is currently underway," stated Agarwal.

In one of the report's key observations, it was noted that typically, technicians are tasked with receiving the DTC cab (engine) key. However, in this specific case, the technician dispatched Sachin to retrieve the key.

Providing a concise account of the incident's history, the report mentioned that the train reached Mathura station at 10.49 pm. After the loco pilot completed his duty and exited the cab, Sachin entered to collect the keys. Within a minute of his entry, the cab unexpectedly initiated movement, broke through the dead end, and partially ascended the platform.