A major mishap was averted on Sunday when a goods train running at speeds over 100 km/hr without any loco pilot or driver was stopped by diligent efforts of railway officials. As per reports, the goods train (Maal Gadi) from Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir suddenly started without a loco pilot. The goods train continued running like this for about 70 to 80 kilometers before being stopped near Dasuya in Hoshiarpur after a lot of effort by the railway officials.
Six people have been suspended in the case of goods-train running from Kathua railway station of Jammu. DRM Sanjay Sahu of Firozpur division has given information regarding this entire matter. DRM Sanjay Sahu also informed that with a lot of effort and planning, the vehicle that was hit by the crusher was stopped. He said that the committee formed so far is busy finding out how the crusher goods train reached Uchi Bassi from Kathua railway station despite the engine being switched off. He also informed that 6 people including the station master of Kathua railway station, engine loco pilot and assistant loco pilot have been suspended.
The train came to a halt near Unchi Bassi due to steep gradient, after covering a distance of more than 70 km. The officials said that the train was successfully halted with the assistance of sandbags. Railway officials and staffers were put on alert along the route and all rail-road crossings on the Jalandhar-Pathankot section were secured.