22 wagons detach from moving goods train in Medinipur, disrupting rail services

A major accident was narrowly avoided at Chandrakona Road station when 22 wagons of a coal-laden goods train got detached while in motion. The incident occurred around 8 AM when the train was heading towards Midnapore. Shortly after departing from the station, the coupling mechanism failed, causing the engine to move ahead with five wagons while the remaining 22 were left behind on the tracks. The loco pilot realized the issue only after covering a significant distance.

Railway staff arrived at the scene and reattached the wagons. The train was then cleared to continue its journey. The incident caused significant delays, with multiple long-distance and local trains stranded at various stations. Passengers faced disruptions as rail operations were affected for some time before normal services resumed. No injuries or damage to infrastructure were reported.

Local residents expressed concern over the incident, blaming railway negligence for the mechanical failure. A resident, Shubho Sarkar, stated, “The engine left behind 22 wagons and continued with only five. After some time, the train was stopped, and the wagons were reattached. However, due to this, trains were delayed. If the train guard had been asleep, the consequences could have been disastrous.” No official statement has been issued by railway authorities yet.

An internal investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the coupling failure. Authorities are assessing maintenance records and technical factors that may have contributed to the incident. Efforts to restore normal train operations continued, with railway staff ensuring the safety of further freight movements on the affected route.