A major railway disaster was narrowly averted in Bihar's West Champaran district on Thursday night after the Katihar-Delhi Champaran Humsafar Express (15705) collided with a buffalo that had wandered onto the tracks. The incident led to significant disruptions on the busy route.
Timely Braking Prevents Catastrophe
The incident occurred between Valmikinagar and Paniyahwa in the Bagaha subdivision. According to station master P N Pandey of Valmikinagar Road railway station, the train had just picked up speed after departing when the animal suddenly appeared on the tracks near the Madanpur railway crossing.
The driver's immediate application of the emergency brakes brought the train to a stop, a move that officials later credited with preventing a potential derailment or more serious accident. While the buffalo died upon impact, no passengers or crew members sustained any injuries.
Major Disruption to Rail Traffic
Following the collision, the express train remained stranded on the tracks for nearly two and a half hours. This prolonged halt caused a ripple effect, disrupting the schedule of several other trains.
Multiple trains were forced to stop at Paniyahwa and Bagaha stations as officials worked to clear the line. A team led by RPF incharge inspector Indrajit Singh quickly reached the spot, conducted an inspection, and oversaw the removal of the animal's carcass from the tracks. Only after ensuring the line was completely safe was the Champaran Humsafar Express allowed to resume its journey to Delhi.
Officials Laud Driver's Presence of Mind
Railway authorities have praised the locomotive pilot for displaying exceptional presence of mind. Station Master Pandey, speaking on Friday, emphasized that the driver's swift reaction was crucial in averting what could have been a severe mishap on a high-traffic corridor.
While the timely response ensured safety, the incident caused considerable inconvenience to passengers aboard the stranded train, who faced an unexpected delay of over two hours late at night. The event has also highlighted the ongoing challenge of trespassing by livestock on railway tracks in certain sections, a persistent safety concern for Indian Railways.
