Title - Rail accident averted

RCC slab found placed across tracks near Kollam
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Passengers on the weekly 16331 Mumbai CST-Thiruvananthapuram Express had a providential escape when the train survived a suspected sabotage attempt between Eravipuram and Mayyanad stations in Kollam district at 2 a.m. on Wednesday.Sources said a heavy reinforced cement concrete (RCC) slab was found on the down tracks at Arivalumukku. The engine ran over the slab and sharply jerked, but the train moved on.Sensing that something was wrong, the loco pilot halted the train at the Mayyanad station where it had no scheduled halt. He informed the stationmaster and the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The keeper of the Koottikada level-crossing, which is a short distance away from where the incident occurred, was also alerted and directed to inspect the tracks. The gatekeeper located the spot and found the RCC slab lying sliced by the down track. He ensured that the tracks were intact and informed the details to the Mayyanad stationmaster. The 16128 Guruvayur-Chennai Egmore Express was permitted to pass through the stretch only after receiving clearance from the latter.Apart from the Railway Protection Force, the Eravipuram police also have registered a case. Thiruvananthapuram Division Railway Manager Rajiv Dutt Sharma told The Hindu that the incident was criminal in nature and the Railways was waiting for a reaction from the State police.

Additional Director General of Police A. Hemachandran when contacted, said the police would probe all angles and had taken a serious view of it especially in view of the fact that a similar attempt was made near Thrissur last month and some time ago at Manjeshwaram too.

District Collector P.G. Thomas, along with senior police officers, inspected the site. Mr. Thomas said the RCC slab was 1.25 metres-long with a width of 25 cm and thickness of 8 cm. It was also very heavy and preliminary investigations showed that at least two persons had lifted it and placed it on the tracks.

The slab is railway property placed on the side of tracks to prevent soil erosion. Investigating officers said it appears to be a deliberate attempt to sabotage a train. Railway authorities in Kollam said that in the wake of the development, security inspection of tracks would be stepped up.