Runaway train coaches rolled for seven miles

India’s railway ministry said that a “ghastly” accident was narrowly avoided after 22 train coaches carrying 1,000 passengers became detached from the engine and sped backwards for miles before being stopped.

The runaway carriages, in the eastern state of Odisha, rolled for seven miles before being brought to a shuddering halt by rocks placed on the tracks by railway staff.

No one was injured in the incident on Saturday night. But seven railway employees have been suspended and an investigation has been launched into how the carriages became separated during the journey from the western state of Gujarat to Odisha, said a railway ministry spokesman.