Watch 22 coaches travel 15 km without engine in Odisha

Mangalore Today News Network

West Bengal, Apr 09, 2018 : The Railways have launched an investigation into the incident where 22 coaches of the Ahmedabad-Puri Express rolled down the track without an engine for about 15 km in Odisha’s Balangir district on Saturday night. Seven railway employees, including two engine drivers and three carriage repairing staff, have been placed under suspension.

 

Divisional Railway Manager of Sambalpur Jaideep Gupta reached Titlagarh in Balangir district on Sunday to find out the reasons behind the goof-up.
Narrow escape

Hundreds of passengers had a narrow escape as the coaches rolled down as skid brakes were not applied on the wheels at Titlagarh, where engine reversal took place.

“As there was up gradient, they allowed the coaches to travel up to Kesinga without any intervention. The level-crossing gates were ordered to be closed by the control room. The speed of coaches slowed down at up gradient making it easier to bring the coaches to halt,” said the Railway.

Nervous employees put stones on the track to stop coaches. Later an engine was sent from Titlagarh to get the coaches back from Kesinga. After an hour of anxiety, the coaches were brought back to Titlagarh.