Passenger train hits tractor, driver escapes unhurt

A passenger train today hit a tractor at an unmanned level crossing near Athur in this district, but there was no casualty, the Southern Railway said.
The incident occurred at 11.47 AM when the Vridhachalam- Salem Passenger DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) was crossing the unmanned level crossing near Athur.
A Southern Railway release, quoting the loco pilot of the train, blamed the driver of the tractor-trailor for the incident, saying he was wearing headphones and did not notice the oncoming train.
He was in a hurry and tried to cross the track, it said, adding the train hit the rear portion of the tractor-trailor which resulted in the 'nose cone' of the engine being damaged.

The trailor got separated and the driver of the tractor, who escaped unhurt, fled the scene, the release said.
The train was delayed by about two hours due to the incident, it added.