Railways blame human error for mishap, say probe on | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Railways blame human error for mishap, say probe on

PTI | By, Kolkata
Jul 19, 2010 08:44 PM IST

Terming the action of drivers as "unusual" in today's rail accident at Sainthia in Birbhum district, the Railways said the drivers neither applied emergency brakes nor made any attempt to stop the train to avert the collision. Podcast | Helpline Nos.| Chronology| First pics| Compensation | Mamata suspicious | 'Uttarbanga Exp had crossed speed limit'

Terming the action of drivers as "unusual" in today's rail accident at Sainthia in Birbhum district, the Railways said the drivers neither applied emergency brakes nor made any attempt to stop the train to avert the collision.

HT Image
HT Image

"This is very unusual. There was something wrong with loco pilots (of Uttarbanga Express)," Chairman Railway Board Vivek Sahai told reporters here after visiting the accident site.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"The brakes were not applied at all not even the emergency brakes though the train was running at a high speed. They (driver and co-driver) did not even try to jump out and were found occupying their seats," he said apparently indicating something amiss in the accident.


He said the signal was red and it was verified by Member (Electrical), Railway Board, during his spot visit to Sainthia station.

However, Sahai said the main driver was an experienced staff belonging to 'A' category, a post held by only 15 to 20 per cent of all drivers in Indian railways.

Over 60 people were killed in early hours today when the Sealdah bound Uttarbanga Express rammed Vananchal Express from behind at Sainthia station.

The Commissioner Railway Safety, Eastern Zone, is probing the accident.

Asked if the accident would have been avoided had there been an anti-collision device (ACD), Sahai said the technology is still being tested as the Railways was not sure about its efficacy in sections with multiple tracks.

However, he said, "The railways are not abandoning the idea of implementing the device even if they are costly.

"We have already sanctioned their installation in Southern, South-Western and South Central Railway," he said.

|

|

|

| |

|

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On