Title - Kathgodam Express hits bus at bypass railway crossing All passengers escape unhurt

Dehradun:
Kathgodam Express hit a Tanakpur depot bus at the bypass railway crossing in the wee hours today. However, no one was injured in the accident.The train was moving towards Dehradun when it hit the bus that was on its way to Tanakpur from the ISBT, Dehradun, at 4.30 am. There were 20 persons in the bus, including the driver and the conductor, at the time of the accident.According to information, Kathgodam Express had to make a halt 200 m before the railway crossing in the morning as its driver did not get green signal from the flag man at the railway crossing gates.When the driver enquired about it, he found that the flag man was sleeping and he forgot to flash the green signal and close the gates.Later, he flashed the green signal and the train started moving. However, the train driver spotted that the railway crossing gate has not been closed and a bus was moving towards the crossing.On the other hand, the flag man claimed that he did not get any information about the train’s arrival from the control room.In charge, bypass police post, Arvind Kumar said, “After spotting the bus, the train driver applied the emergency brakes, but could not stop the train from hitting the rear portion of the bus.”Pradeep Chauhan, in charge, government railway police station, Dehradun, said, “Luckily, all passengers escaped unhurt.”

He said Railway Protection Force officials also reached the spot, who are now investigating the case.

Senior Section Engineer (Railways) SP Singh said, “The report of the preliminary investigation has been sent to the railway division and action will be taken against whosoever found guilty.”