Bogies of Ahmedabad-Puri Express get detached, roll sans engine for 15 kms

Kesinga: In a case of sheer negligence on the part of Railway officials, several coaches of the Ahmedabad-Puri Express (18406) got detached from the engine during an engine change at Titlagarh railway station and continued to roll on without engine for 15 kms up to Kesinga.

The train bogies were stopped at Kesinga and passengers are safe, said sources.

Sambalpur Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Jayadeep Gupta informed that two officials have been suspended for negligence and probe has begun.

"There was a roll down during shunting. Our gate keeper acted promptly and stopped the train. All the passengers are safe. I have spoken to all the passengers and no one has faced any difficulties. There have been no injuries. We are sending an engine to get the train back. We have taken this incident seriously and have suspended two officials who did not follow proper procedure during shunting. An inquiry has been ordered," said Gupta over phone.

The train had a total of 22 bogies, Gupta added.

"Strangely, after a scheduled engine change at Titlagarh the train started moving in the reverse direction. We could not figure out what was happening. The train again moved towards Titlagarh. The train was moving to and fro and there was panic. We tried to pull the chain but to no avail. Finally, the train was stopped. Then all the passengers came out," said Subham, a passenger.