Train crashes into Sangrur house, tragedy averted

A tragedy was averted on Thursday morning here when a derailed goods train crashed into a house near the railway station, 20 metres from the line.

A tragedy was averted on Thursday morning here when a derailed goods train crashed into a house near the railway station, 20 metres from the line.

A goods train rams into a private house after derailment near Sangrur on Thursday. (Bharat Bhushan/HT Photo)

It was pulling over to give passage to a passenger train when it started a sudden backward movement and got off the rails. Speed carried it into the house of Gurtej Singh, who was then asleep along with family. “Suddenly I heard a bang and felt tremors. I thought it was earthquake. I woke up, and to my shock, found a train had come through my outer wall. I rushed my entire family out,” said Gurtej Singh.

The Railways have marked an inquiry into the derailing and crashing into the residential area.

Had the train been faster, it would run through more houses and caused a major tragedy. The Railways have marked an inquiry into the derailing and crashing into the residential area. Station master Sohan Lal said: “The train derailed because of shunting and its moving backwards indicates field staff, driver as well as the guard were at fault.”