Major train accident averted near Valapattanam; probe under way

A major railway tragedy was narrowly averted near Valapattanam in the early hours of Friday (July 11) after a concrete slab was found on the track, in what police suspect was a clear attempt to derail an express train.

The Valapattanam police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by Valapattanam station superintendent C.K. Anilkumar. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also initiated an investigation.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. when the Kochuveli- Bhavanagar Express, en route to Mangalauru, hit the concrete slab that was placed across the rail line about 100 meters from the Valapattanam railway station. The train rode over the obstruction, causing a jolt that alarmed the local pilot, who stopped the train and carried out an inspection. During the inspection, the loco pilot discovered pieces of the shattered concrete slab and an electrical earth pit cover on the track.

Though two Rajdhani Express trains had passed through the same track prior to the incident, no obstructions were reported. This has led the railway authorities to suspect that the slab had been placed on the track shortly before the express train passed.

The police, along with the RPF, reached the scene and carried out a detailed inspection. CCTV footages from surrounding areas too are being examined.

The Valapattanam police said prima facie evidence suggested deliberate sabotage and the possibility of malicious intent cannot be ruled out. There have been similar incidents of stones and gravel being placed on the track in the past. But this time, it was a heavy concrete structure clearly meant to cause maximum disruption or a derailment, the railway officials said.

Recurrence of such incidents on the stretch has raised concern and a high level inquiry has been initiated.