Chennai: But for the alert Loco pilot Raghuraman and his assistant Vinod there could have been a potentially disastrous incident was narrowly averted on June 3 when the Kanyakumari-Chennai Egmore Express (Chennai-Kanyakumari Express Train) collided with a truck tire on the railway track in Tamil Nadu. Thanks to the vigilant loco pilot, a major catastrophe was prevented, and no harm was caused to the passengers.
During the journey towards Chennai, as the train approached Trichy around 12:30 midnight, Loco Pilot Raghuraman and Assistant Loco Pilot Vinod noticed an object on the track and immediately applied the brakes. Upon closer inspection, they realised that two large tires were stacked on top of each other. Despite their swift action, the engine still made contact with the front tyre, but due to the train’s reduced speed, the impact was minimal.
One of the tyres became lodged in the engine, causing a disruption in the power supply. The loco pilot promptly informed the officials at the nearby Valadi station about the situation. After necessary repairs were made, the train resumed its journey.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that miscreants had deliberately placed the truck tires on the tracks as an act of vandalism. The Railway Security Force, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Prabhakaran, Vriddhachalam Inspector Ratinakumar, and Assistant Security Commissioner Chinnathurai, arrived at the scene to conduct further inquiries. A case has been registered by the Railway Police, and a special team has been formed to apprehend the culprits responsible for this incident.