Goods train runs without driver at 100-km speed from J&K's Kathua to Punjab's Hoshiarpur

A goods train that was at a halt at the Kathua station in Jammu suddenly started running towards Pathankot, without the driver, at the speed of over 100 km per hour, creating panic, officials said on Sunday.

The train was stopped near Ucchi Bassi in Mukerian. Fortunately, any untoward incident was avoided as a message was sent to all gatemen to keep the level-crossings closed.

The train has been stopped near Dasua in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district after nearly 70 km of run without the driver.

Official sources said an inquiry has been started to look into the lapses.

"The train laden with crusher stones was on a halt at Kathua station and it suddenly started running on tracks without a driver inside it.

"After starting the train, driver had gone somewhere, but he forgot to pull hand brake due to which it started moving on a sloppy track and gained speed.

"Railway staff from Dasuya stopped the train at Uchi Bassi by placing wooden blocks on the tracks and reduced its speed, averting a major accident.

"No damage was reported in the incident," officials said.

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