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Major mishap averted at Samastipur rly station, supervising section engineer suspended
A major rail accident was narrowly averted at Samastipur Junction late on Monday night after an unsecured heavy iron hydrant pipe got wedged between a moving train and the platform
A major rail accident was narrowly averted at Samastipur Junction late on Monday night after an unsecured heavy iron hydrant pipe got wedged between a moving train and the platform, triggering sparks and damaging station infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the divisional railway manager (DRM) has suspended the supervising section engineer (SSE) and initiated disciplinary action against him, officials said on Tuesday.
The incident occurred at around 10.54 pm on January 12 when train no. 13032, the Jaynagar–Howrah Express, was entering platform number 3 at low speed. According to the Samastipur division of East Central Railway, a hydrant pipe kept near the Muzaffarpur end of the platform for watering work rolled onto the track and became lodged between the platform edge and the 10th coach from the locomotive.
The pipe remained jammed and was dragged for nearly 140 metres, producing visible sparks due to friction and causing damage to the platform’s coping tiles. Railway officials said the affected coach sustained damage in the lavatory area of its underframe, while the footboard of the adjoining coach was also found bent.
Passengers had a narrow escape as the train was moving slowly while entering the platform, preventing a potentially serious accident. No injuries were reported, though the train was detained for about 90 minutes.
Following the incident, station authorities and technical teams rushed to the spot and removed the pipe using a gas cutter. After necessary repairs, a detailed inspection of the undergear and certification of fitness, the train was allowed to resume its journey at 12.35 am. As a precautionary measure, two escort staff were deployed.
Taking a serious view of what it described as a “grave safety lapse,” the Samastipur DRM Jyoti Prakash Mishra ordered the immediate suspension of the supervising senior section engineer (SSE). A penalty has also been imposed on the concerned contractor as per tender conditions, while disciplinary proceedings under the Railway Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules have been initiated.
Railway officials said all hydrant pipes and related equipment have since been removed from running lines and placed at safe distances. A safety audit of equipment kept on platforms across stations in the division has also been ordered to prevent recurrence.
Meanwhile, Samastipur DRM told Hindustan Times, “No negligence of any kind will be tolerated when it comes to passenger safety. This incident is extremely serious, and strict action is being taken against the employees and the contractor found responsible. There will be no compromise on safety in the Samastipur division, and all necessary steps are being taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
