Narrow escape for Alappuzha-Dhanbad Express as engine detaches from bogies

KORAPUT: The Alappuzha-Dhanbad express averted a major accident after its engine got detached from the bogies near Jimidipeta station in Rayagada district on Sunday evening.
Even though the engine went for over a kilometre after it got detached but there was no report of any injury or casualty as the bogies didn’t derail. The incident took place around 7 pm 20 km away from Rayagada town.
“Anything could have happened.We were scared after knowing that the bogies are running without engine. By God’s grace the bogies stopped safely and we were relieved,” said Samuel Tandi, a passenger who was travelling from Ernakulam to Rayagada.
Tension ran high at the Rayagada railway station as the passengers’ ghearoed the station master alleging lacklustre attitude of the authorities concerned and demanding action.
Officials said the engine of the train got detached once at Donkinvalsa and Kuneru prior to getting detached at Jimidipeta.
“We detained the defunct engine and attached another engine to the train. There has been no loss of life or property. We have intimated to our higher authorities for necessary action,” said P C Sethy, station manager, Rayagada railway station.