Train mishap: Probe team finds point box seal broken

LUCKNOW: The probe into the derailment of the Delhi-bound MLDT NDLS Express that derailed in Harchandpur area of Rae Bareli district on October 10 continued for the second day.

Continuing the probe, chief commissioner railway safety (CRS) and other officials were taken aback when they discovered the seal of the ‘point box’ broken. Sources with Northern Railways (NR) said the broken seal of the box that records every detail of the signals, showed tampering with evidence.

Chief Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS) SP Pathak had inspected the site on Friday and began a high-level probe into the derailment that claimed the lives of seven passengers and left many injured.

The CRS not only inspected the accident site but also recorded the statements of the loco drivers and railway staff, including guard, electrical signal monitor and signal inspector to analyse the causes that led to the disaster. Northern Railways (NR) officials said in the statement that the loco driver stated that the signals suggested that the tracks were set for the main line but suddenly the train began moving on the loop line. By the time the emergency brakes were applied, the bogies had gone off the track. Other than guard, loco drivers and others, there were 28 Railways staff who got statements recorded.

Sources said that after recording the statement, it was concluded that the train was moving at 75km/hr at the time of derailment. The Delhi-bound 14003 MLDT NDLS Express derailed near Harchandpur area of Rae Bareli district during the morning hours on October 10.