Freak crash kills train driver in Fazilka
FAZILKA: A concrete-mixer truck hit a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train at an unmanned crossing in Jalabad sub-division of Fazilka district on Sunday, killing the locomotive pilot.
The accident occurred around 10am. The train was on its way to Fazilka from Ferozepur when the truck hit it near the Bhamhni Wala railway station, Government Railway Police officials said.
Witnesses said the collision was so strong that the huge mixer got stuck in the train resulting in the death of Vikas Kaypee, the loco pilot. No passenger was injured.
The deceased, a Bihar resident, is survived by a pregnant wife and a seven-year-old daughter.
‘Gate Mitar’, a temporary gateman at unmanned railway crossing, Gurdev Singh claimed that he had tied a rope on both sides of the railway crossing and even signalled the truck driver to stop but he allegedly ignored his instructions and rammed the truck into the train.
Thetruck driver, who miraculously escaped unhurt, is absconding, said the police. He has been booked. The truck was carrying material for construction of an underbridge near the Bhamhni Wala railway station.
“The loco driver showed bravery as he tried to avert the colli- sion. He applied emergency brakes to stop the train though he could have saved his life by jumping off,” said a railway official. An inquiry has been ordered.