Bhubaneswar, December 21: The Surat bound Puri-Surat Special dashed with an elephant between Hatibari and Maneswar Railway Station in Angul-Sambalpur Railway Section under Sambalpur Division of East Coast Railway (ECoR) in the wee hours of Monday. All front wheels of the train engine got derailed.
There was no casualty or injury to any passenger and all passengers were safe.
According to an ECoR statement, the train departed Hatibari Station at 1.55 AM with a speed of 50 kmph as elephant caution had already been imposed by division. On accident with the train, the elephant got entangled with the front portion of train engine.
Swift and appropriate action had been taken by East Coast Railway on receipt of the information. Sambalpur Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Pradip Kumar along with other senior officers reached the spot immediately and supervised the derailment of the engine. They ensured quick returning of all the coaches of the train to Hatibari station and clearing of railway track.
Officials from Forest Department led by Divisional Forest Officer Dr Sanjit Kumar reached the spot and initiated inquiry with Sambalpur DRM and other senior Railway officers.
Track fit was given at 7.10 AM with forest clearance and the Puri-Surat Special left Hatibari Station at 7.24 AM. Passengers were served with light refreshment at Sambalpur Station by the ECoR.
ECoR General Manager has ordered an inquiry at senior officers Level in this matter. Train Loco-Pilots and Guards are being freshly counseled. East Coast Railway regrets the accidental mishap today morning.
