Runaway train: Engine cruises 13km minus pilot, staffer chases it down on bike | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Runaway train: Engine cruises 13km minus pilot, staffer chases it down on bike

Press Trust of India, Kalaburagi | ByPress Trust of India
Nov 10, 2017 09:25 AM IST

Chennai-Mumbai train’s disengaged engine started moving on its own while at Wadi junction in Maharashtra, sparking alerts on the lines and a 13-km chase before a mishap was averted.

An electric train engine travelled for about 13 kilometres without its pilot from Wadi station in Maharashtra before being brought to a halt by a staff member who chased it on a bike.

As the electric engine ran, the railway staff gave a chase to it on a motorbike.(PTI/ Representative image)
As the electric engine ran, the railway staff gave a chase to it on a motorbike.(PTI/ Representative image)

Mirroring a script straight out of a movie, the railways employee caught up with the engine, jumped on and stopped it.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Trouble started after the Chennai-Mumbai train arrived at Wadi junction in Kalaburagi district around 3pm on Wednesday, where its electric engine was to be swapped for a diesel one, railway officials said. The route from Wadi to Solapur is not electrified.

The diesel engine was attached to the Mumbai train which continued its journey to Solapur, the officials said. In the meantime, due to what is being described as a slip-up, the disengaged electric engine started moving on its own after the loco pilot stepped out.

As the stunned pilot looked on, the Wadi station authorities alerted the next few stations to clear signals and tracks. To prevent any possible mishap, trains from the opposite direction were also stopped, the officials said.

As the electric engine cruised, the railways employee gave chase on a motorbike, managed to board it when it slowed and stopped it near Nalwar. By then, the engine had run for about 13 kilometres.

It was not exactly known how the electric engine began to move, the officials said, adding an inquiry by a special team was underway.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Monday, March 18, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On