Probe Begins Into Lokmanya Tilak Express Mishap In Odisha

Cuttack: Two days after Mumbai (LTT)-Bhubaneswar Lokmanya Tilak Express derailed after hitting a stationary goods train between Salagaon and Nergundi railway stations, AK Rai, Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), south-eastern circle on Saturday began probe into the mishap.

Rai, who visited the accident site on Friday before starting his inquiry, today informed that several aspects including speed of the train, visibility conditions and whether all prescribed safety related norms were followed or not will be duly investigated.

“During spot visit, several issues including station, sections and other relevant things were checked and a formal inquiry has begun today. The statements of those who are aware of the mishap will be taken into consideration. The inquiry will be completed in two to three stages,” said Rai.

Mumbai-Bhubaneswar Lokmanya Tilak Express mishap: “Several factors including speed of train, visibility condition & safety aspects will be probed & a preliminary report will be submitted within a month,” says AK Rai, Commissioner of Railway Safety #Odisha pic.twitter.com/r3NIVQd8Fp

— OTV (@otvnews) January 18, 2020

Rai further stated that a preliminary report will be submitted within a month to the railways for necessary action.

Chief Safety Officer (ECoR) Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra said, “A detailed and impartial inquiry will be conducted.”

As many as 16 passengers were injured after eight coaches of the Mumbai-Bhubaneswar Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) Express derailed on January 16.

Four officials - deputy station manager of Nergundi station, two drivers of LTT Express and the guard of the goods train, were later suspended for dereliction of duty.