A vigilant railway official at Pandavapura station in Karnataka turned hero by preventing a potential tragedy, pulling a passenger to safety as he slipped while trying to board a moving train. The incident, which occurred on December 13, captured widespread public attention only after a video of the dramatic rescue went viral on social media this Friday.
The Moment of Crisis and Courage
The event unfolded as a Bengaluru-bound passenger train from Mysuru began departing from Pandavapura railway station. Ignoring repeated warnings, a 55-year-old passenger named Shivaraju Katteri, a resident of Pandavapura taluk, made a frantic dash to board the moving coach.
Station Master Abhijit Singh, who was closely monitoring the situation, immediately cautioned Katteri against the dangerous attempt. "I warned him not to board the moving train and told him that another train would arrive shortly. But he did not listen," Singh recounted in an interview.
A Quick-Thinking Rescue
Despite the warnings, the passenger persisted. In a heart-stopping moment, he lost his footing and slipped on the platform while trying to catch the departing train. Demonstrating remarkable alertness and presence of mind, Singh sprang into action.
"When he slipped while trying to catch the train, I immediately grabbed him and pulled him to safety," said Singh, describing the critical seconds that averted a severe accident. The station master had earlier advised the passenger that an alternative train would arrive within half an hour, urging him to prioritise safety over haste.
A Stark Reminder on Railway Safety
The viral video of the rescue has drawn widespread appreciation from both the public and railway officials, shining a spotlight on the ever-present dangers at railway platforms. This incident serves as a powerful and urgent reminder for all passengers to strictly adhere to safety norms.
Station Master Abhijit Singh used the opportunity to make a sincere appeal to the travelling public. He emphasised the grave risks associated with boarding or alighting from moving trains, a common cause of tragic and often fatal accidents across the Indian railway network.
The brave act at Pandavapura station underscores the critical role of vigilant railway staff and the collective responsibility of passengers to ensure their own safety by avoiding reckless actions in a rush.
