Driver's Quick Action Helped Avert Kanchankanya Express Accident: Report

A disastrous collision involving the Kanchankanya Express and the locals was reportedly averted in time due to the timely action of the train’s driver. According to Local 18 Bengal, on June 2, the Kanchankanya Express was destined to reach Sealdah, West Bengal. It was proceeding towards the MalBazar Old Rail Station from the Chalsa Railway Station. At the level crossing, the driver immediately noticed that the rail gates had not been lowered. This happened despite the signal being green. The negligent railway staff was responsible for this loophole, according to reports. Seeing that no railway staff was present at the rail gates as well to raise an alarm, the driver pressed the emergency brakes to stop the train. By that time, the train had almost touched the rail gate.

A little more delay on the part of the driver could have resulted in an accident involving many deaths. No clarification or comment from railway officials is yet out on this reported incident.

The most terrifying outcome of the gates not being lowered was that they were open and people were crossing the rail gate on their bicycles. With the sudden blazing sound of the train’s horn and brakes, everyone became alert and stopped crossing the gate. This ensured that there was no tragedy on the track.

After everyone was saved, the driver and other staff got down from the train and entered the gateman’s house. The gateman is responsible for the safety of the trains and was found in the house. Seeing the driver and the staff and listening to their grievance, he realised his mistake and started apologising to them. This news has become the talk of the town. Everyone is raising the question of what prompted the railway gateman to engage in other work instead of reporting to his duty. The railway officials have refused to comment on this matter.

Drivers should not drive around the lowered gates because it’s illegal and can prove to be deadly. If the driver feels a signal is malfunctioning, they can call the number 1800 posted on or near the enforcing signal. This number is also available in the local law enforcement agency.