A major train accident was today averted by an alert locomotive pilot of the Kanpur-bound Utsarg Express who applied emergency breaks on spotting a loose "glue plate" and stopped the train in time.
The damage to the tracks was detected between Ajgain and Kusumbhi railway stations. The locomotive pilot of the train applied emergency brakes when he felt a jolt. Up on close inspection, he found a loose "glue plate".
The damaged portion was replaced and the train was allowed to move, GRP police station in charge CP Singh said.
However, there was no immediate official word on how the plate got detached.
Singh said train services on the Lucknow-Kanpur route were disrupted for more than an hour due to the damage caused to the tracks.
Four train accidents have occurred in various parts of Uttar Pradesh so far this year.
Three coaches and the engine of the Kalindi Express had derailed in February after colliding with a goods train at Tundla Junction. No one was injured in the incident. The two trains were running on the same track.
In March, at least 52 people were injured after eight coaches of the Jabalpur-Nizamuddin Mahakaushal Express derailed near Kulpahar railway station in Mahoba district.
At least two passengers were injured when eight coaches of a passenger train derailed near Rampur in Uttar Pradesh this month.
Two wagons of a goods train had derailed on Saturday last week near Garhmau railway station on the Jhansi-Kanpur line, disrupting rail traffic for nearly three hours.
In one of the worst train accidents in the country in recent years, at least 150 people were killed and more than 180 injured after 14 coaches of the Patna-Indore Express had derailed in Kanpur Dehat district in November last year.
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