The axle of a truck laden with PDS (Public Distribution System) goods broke at the Single Tola railway crossing in Umaria, causing the truck to get stuck on the tracks. Several trains and road traffic were affected, but the gatekeeper's vigilance averted a major accident.
Umaria: A truck got stuck at the Single Tola railway crossing in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, disrupting railway and road traffic. However, due to the gatekeeper's alertness, the train was stopped on time, and any loss of life was averted. The incident has raised questions about the railway's safety system. During this time, many trains were halted due to the truck getting stuck on the tracks, and passengers faced inconvenience for hours.
Major Accident Averted Due to Truck Getting Stuck
A truck (MP 17 NH 2822) carrying PDS wheat towards Umaria reached the Single Tola railway crossing. Suddenly, the truck's front wheel and axle broke, causing the truck to get stuck on the tracks. At the same time, the gatekeeper received information about an approaching train. The gatekeeper immediately informed the station master and stopped the train, thus averting a major accident.
No lives were lost in this incident, but the railway line was disrupted for hours due to the stuck truck. Long queues also formed on the road, and traffic in the surrounding areas was affected. The gatekeeper's vigilance and quick decision-making played a crucial role in controlling the situation.
Action by Railway Officials
Upon receiving information about the incident, railway officials, GRP (Government Railway Police), and RPF (Railway Protection Force) all reached the spot. They used a crane to remove the truck and safely cleared it from the tracks. During this period, railway traffic remained disrupted at the Single Tola crossing, and several trains were stopped. The railway, for safety reasons, turned the signals red, thereby preventing any major accident.
Even after removing the truck, it took time to restore normal traffic on the tracks. Railway officials stated that the detention of trains is considered a major lapse in rules, but this time the gatekeeper's alertness brought the situation under control. The incident of train detention has raised serious questions about the railway safety system.
Severe Inconvenience to Passengers Due to Truck Getting Stuck
Due to the truck getting stuck, many trains had to be stopped midway. Passengers remained stranded at railway stations and on trains for hours. Many passengers disembarked at the station and expressed their displeasure to the officials, accusing the railway administration of negligence.
Passengers also mentioned that the Single Tola railway crossing is a very busy route. A large number of goods and passenger trains pass through it daily. Such incidents affect both passengers and the transportation system.
Serious Lack of Safety at Railway Crossing
On the Katni-Bilaspur rail section in Umaria district, the speed and number of trains are continuously increasing. Despite this, there are neither overbridges nor underbridges on this route. The railway has not yet implemented any structural solutions even near national and state highways.
Due to this lack of safety, minor and major accidents occur frequently. Experts believe that to prevent incidents like the truck getting stuck, it is essential to construct overbridges or underbridges soon and enhance safety at the crossings. This will reduce the possibility of major accidents in the future.
