’Train accident’ mock drill, rescue and relief

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 5, 2016 :  In a surprise and shock at Bunder Good shed, on  march 4, Friday morning a derailed passenger railway coach was seen derailed, the line is not generally meant for passenger train operation.

A team of about 30 accident rescue personnel descended on the spot and began operation to evacuate ‘passengers’ from the coach, and then all were relieved that it was a mock drill. Making the best use of a passenger coach, meant to be scrapped, the Southern Railway conducted a training for its personnel in evacuation, rescue and relief operations.

The coach was ‘derailed’ using hydraulic jacks around 11 a.m. and soon the relief and rescue operations began from the Accident Relief Train personnel. The personnel were made more familiar with hydraulic cutters to cut open windows and bring out ‘stranded passengers’ inside the coach.

They were also shown how the top of the coach could be cut open for rescue operations. It was a hands-on training to the personnel, said a senior official from Southern Railway.

Practical training

The official said whenever they got an opportunity, they would conduct such practical trainings and there was no specified interval to conduct the training. This time, a coach ready to be scrapped was available in Mangaluru and the same was used, he said.

After ‘rescuing’ the passengers stranded in the train, the coach was re-railed, again using hydraulic jacks and was brought to Mangaluru Central Station. The entire operation lasted from 11.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.