Bhubaneswar: While the state is yet to recuperate from the worst train tragedy of the century, a freak rail mishap on Wednesday claimed six lives and left two others critically injured.
The tragic mishap occurred at Jajpur – Keonjhar Road railway station where a group of contractual workers was engaged in railway tracks maintenance work. In the evening, when nor’wester struck the area, these workers took a fateful decision to take shelter under a reserve rake that had no engine attached to it.
However, to their worst fortune, the stationary wagons of the reserve rake started rolling – due to the impact of gusty winds. The eight to 10 workers trapped under these wagons made their best attempt to come out, but six of them were crushed to death, while two were critically injured.
The injured workers have been admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital. Their condition is stated to be critical. The workers who survived said that the decision to take shelter under the stationary wagons was because there was no rest shed in the vicinity.
“Lightning with gusty winds is a risky combination to be in the out or sprint to the platform. We never imagined that the reserve rake which is restrained with chains and other means can roll under windy conditions,” they said.
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has termed the accident as ‘unfortunate’. Chief Public Relations Officer, ECoR, Biswajit Sahu said that there are restraining systems to check reserve rakes from rolling forward or backward, with chains and skids. What made the rake to roll will be inquired thoroughly, he said.
“However, at times, due to human factors or interference, the restraint is removed. It could be a possibility in this case, which is unfortunate,” Sahu said. He added that further sensitisation needs to be done to avoid such mishaps.
Meanwhile, senior officials of ECoR, headed by the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Khurda Road, Rinkesh Ray have rushed to the spot. “Our team includes the Principal Chief Safety Officer, Engineering and RPF officials are at the site and investigating into the accident,” Sahu said.
A press release by the ECoR in this connection stated:
“Some contractual labourers engaged by a contractor for Railway Work took shelter under the stabled rake to get protection from the wind and rain of Norwester near Jajpur Keonjar Road. A monsoon Reserve Rake without Engine reserved at the sick line near Jajpur Keonjhar Road rolled on due to heavy thunderstorms, today. As a result, SIX persons were run over and two are injured. The injured persons were taken to SCB Medical College and Hospital by Railways for their treatment.”
