A major train accident was narrowly averted in Jharkhand when the Gonda–Asansol Express collided with a lorry at an unmanned and open railway level crossing in the Nawad area of Deoghar district.
The incident occurred when a large number of vehicles were passing through the railway crossing, resulting in the gate not being closed in time. Sources said the train was not given a proper signal to pass through the crossing, and before vehicles could clear the tracks, the train approached the spot.
In the ensuing incident, the train rammed into a lorry that was stranded on the tracks. Alertness on the part of the loco pilot, who applied brakes and reduced speed, helped prevent a major tragedy.
Two persons, including the lorry driver, sustained minor injuries in the collision. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, and passengers aboard the train escaped unharmed.
On receiving information, Railway Protection Force personnel and railway officials rushed to the spot and initiated relief and restoration work. Steps are being taken on a war footing to clear the track, repair damages and restore train services on the route at the earliest.
