Nandigram Exp hits cement blocks at 100kmph, how loco pilot's alertness averted a disaster

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A quick-thinking train driver prevented a major accident on Monday after applying brakes upon spotting cement blocks and rocks placed on the tracks in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

In what appears to be a sabotage attempt, unidentified persons had placed large cement slabs and rocks at Ladgaon Shivar and Karmad in the early hours, according to reports in media.

The Nandigram Express, running from Aurangabad to Jalna at around 100 kmph, struck some of the debris, but thanks to the driver's swift response, the impact was reduced. Without the emergency braking, the situation could have been far worse.

The force of the collision caused the cement blocks to shatter, scattering debris along a 100-meter stretch of track. The train's cattle guard was damaged, and it came to a stop about 200 meters down the line. Several sections of the track were also partially damaged.

Bhuvaneshwar Das, senior section engineer with South Central Railway, lodged a formal complaint after being notified by Nanded control around 1 am, according to a report in TOI. An investigation into the suspected sabotage is underway.