Kalindi Express train accident prevented, sabotage not ruled out

For the second day in a row, another major train accident was averted when the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express came to an abrupt halt after hitting an LPG cylinder lying on the tracks. A petrol cylinder and matchboxes were also found in an apparent act of sabotage. Police said the incident occurred at around 8.20 pm on Sunday when the train was travelling at high speed.

An FIR has been filed in the matter and several teams have been formed to investigate the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Rajesh Kumar Singh said the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) has launched a separate investigation.

“An attempt was made to derail the Kalindi Express by placing the LPG cylinder on the tracks. Soon after we were informed about the incident at around 8.20 pm on Sunday, senior officials rushed to the spot and launched an investigation,” police said.

In addition, a forensic team has been called in and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is also investigating the case, it said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) Harish Chandra said the train driver saw the LPG cylinder on the tracks and applied emergency brakes. But before the train came to a halt, it hit the cylinder and was thrown off the tracks, Chandra said, adding that the train driver informed the conductor and the signalman about it.

The train remained at the accident site for about 20 minutes and was then stopped again for checking at Bilhaur station, the ACP said. The damaged cylinder was recovered. A bottle of petrol and matchboxes were also found at the accident site, Chandra said.

On Sunday, the coupling of the Magadh Express from New Delhi to Islampur broke, splitting the train into two between Turiganj and Raghunathpur stations in Buxar district of Bihar near Patna. However, no one was injured in the incident. An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the incident.

The railroad is also investigating several cases in which large boulders were placed on the tracks in recent months, which has led to numerous derailments in recent times.