ALBAWABA In a bizarre incident that has sparked concerns over railway safety, a freight train embarked on a journey without driver spanning over 70 kilometers from Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua to Punjab's Hoshiarpur district on February 25.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded when the train's operator failed to engage the hand brake before disembarking from the stationary train at Pathankot station. This oversight resulted in the train beginning to move along the track unattended.
Traversing a distance of approximately 70 kilometers and passing through five stations, the unmanned train, laden with stones, maintained a speed of 100 kilometers per hour until it was eventually brought to a halt at Uchi Bassi.
Railway officials managed to stop the train by strategically placing wooden blocks on the tracks.
The train, comprising 53 wagons, was en route from Jammu to Punjab when the incident occurred. A video capturing the train hurtling past a station at considerable speed quickly circulated on social media platforms, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported as a result of the incident.
Despite ongoing inquiries, the precise cause of the incident remains undetermined at this time, officials have stated.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to pinpoint any potential safety deficiencies that may have contributed to the incident. They have emphasized the need to identify and rectify such lapses promptly to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Despite ongoing inquiries, the precise cause of the incident remains undetermined at this time, officials have stated.
