Negligence: Utkal Express train driver not informed about track repair

The probe would now focus on why there was no communication about the track being repaired.

Negligence led to the horrific train accident at Muzzafarnagar in Uttar Pradesh in which 23 persons died. The track was under repair, but the driver of the train was not informed about the same.

There was negligence in conveying the information to the driver about the track being repaired. This was revealed in the preliminary probe conducted following the accident that took place on Saturday night.

Railway officials said at least 15 metres of the track had been taken off and was being replaced when the Puri-Haridwar train appeared. With no option left, labourers ran for their lives leaving the equipments and the replacement track, which were later found under coach A-1 of the derailed train.

Officials also said that he railway track was found broken underneath the coach A-1 and clamps were lying on other side of the track. The preliminary probe also revealed that the Khatauli station staff was not aware that the repair work was still underway. Had an alert been sounded then this accident would not have taken place, officials also said.

The probe would now focus on why there was no communication about the track being repaired. The probe is also looking at why no alert was sounded between Meerut and Muzaffarnagar.

OneIndia News