Train driver averts disaster in Kanpur after spotting suspicious object on tracks

PTC News Desk: In a concerning incident in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a suspicious object was once again discovered on the railway tracks, prompting immediate action from the train’s crew. The loco pilot of the Pushpak Express noticed a red fire safety cylinder lying on the tracks just in time and applied the brakes, preventing a potential disaster.

The incident occurred around 4:15 pm today as the train, which was traveling from Mumbai to Lucknow, approached the holding line near Govindpuri station. Thanks to the train’s slow speed at the time, the driver was able to stop the train a safe distance away from the cylinder.

Upon halting, the driver immediately alerted the control room about the find. After ensuring the area was secure, he transported the fire extinguisher to Kanpur Central. Authorities later confirmed that the cylinder had been issued by the railway’s section engineer, and an investigation into how it ended up on the tracks is currently underway.

The incident has raised alarms, especially given the recent pattern of suspicious objects being found on railway tracks in Uttar Pradesh. Just yesterday, a 16-year-old was detained for allegedly placing a fencing pillar on the Banda-Mahoba rail track, which caused significant disruptions. In that case, the driver of a passenger train was forced to apply emergency brakes upon spotting the concrete pillar on the tracks.

Additionally, another troubling incident occurred on Saturday when the engine of a train struck a stone placed on the railway track in Bairia.

Local authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the current incidents or their ongoing investigations into the safety concerns.

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