Drunk Driver's Car Plunges onto Railway Tracks in Chandigarh, Narrowly Avoiding Catastrophe
In a shocking incident that exposed serious security vulnerabilities, a man allegedly under the influence of alcohol drove his car directly onto Platform No. 1 at Chandigarh Railway Station in the early hours of Tuesday. The vehicle toppled over and landed on the railway tracks, hanging precariously midway. This alarming breach occurred around 3 am, raising critical questions about station safety protocols.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to railway officials, a Himachal Pradesh-registered Alto car, bearing the number HP 22 E 4924, entered the railway station through an unauthorised opening on the parcel side. The car, carrying two young men, was driven onto the platform where the driver reportedly lost control. This caused the vehicle to tilt and fall onto the tracks below, creating a scene of chaos and potential danger.
Fortunately, a major tragedy was averted as Platform No. 1 was closed for train movement at the time due to ongoing construction work. Had train services been operational, the consequences could have been catastrophic, with officials warning of possible severe injuries or fatalities.
Immediate Response and Legal Action
Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel rushed to the spot upon receiving information. With the assistance of bystanders, the two occupants were rescued from the vehicle and taken into custody for questioning. RPF SHO, Inspector Mohan Lal, identified the driver as Ankit Dhiman, aged 28.
A medical examination confirmed that Dhiman was under the influence of alcohol during the incident. The second occupant, whose age was reported to be between 25 and 26 years, was detained but later released after preliminary inquiries.
The accused driver was booked under sections 147 (trespass) and 156 of the Railways Act for unauthorised entry onto railway property and endangering passenger safety. He was subsequently released on bail, but the case remains under investigation.
Security Concerns and Internal Inquiry
This incident has prompted serious concerns about security lapses at one of North India's key railway stations. Officials have initiated an internal inquiry to determine how the vehicle managed to breach station security and access the platform area. Key questions being addressed include:
- How the unauthorised route opening on the parcel side was accessible.
- Why security personnel did not detect the vehicle's entry in time.
- What measures can be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Railway authorities have emphasised that this security breach could have resulted in a major disaster if train services had been active. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent security measures at public transportation hubs, especially during non-operational hours when vigilance might be reduced.
The Chandigarh Railway Station management is now reviewing all security protocols and considering enhanced surveillance and access control measures to prevent such dangerous breaches from occurring again.
