Train services faced significant disruption for several hours on Thursday following a crane collapse at a concrete sleeper factory near Gopinathpur Nilgiri station in Odisha's Balasore district. The crane toppled onto two stationary goods trains, causing damage to the overhead electric (OHE) system and bringing train movement along the route to a halt.
Incident Details
The mishap occurred when a large crane at the factory lost balance and fell onto the freight trains parked nearby. Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the collapse. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported as both trains involved were freight services, according to official sources. The primary impact was on the overhead electric wires, which were severely damaged, disrupting power supply to the tracks.
Response and Restoration Efforts
Railway officials and emergency teams promptly arrived at the scene and initiated restoration work. A senior railway official stated, "Our priority is to clear the tracks first and then restore the overhead power system to resume services." The teams worked diligently to remove the crane and debris from the tracks. Meanwhile, an investigation is expected to be ordered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident.
Impact on Train Services
The disruption caused delays and cancellations of several trains passing through the affected section. Passengers experienced inconvenience as railway authorities diverted some trains and arranged for alternative transportation. The restoration of the OHE system was a complex task, requiring careful coordination among technical teams.
Background
The concrete sleeper factory is a key facility for railway infrastructure, producing sleepers used in track construction and maintenance. The incident highlights the potential hazards associated with heavy machinery operations near railway lines. Railway safety protocols are under review to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Investigation Underway
A high-level inquiry has been ordered to investigate the crane collapse. The probe will examine factors such as equipment maintenance, operational procedures, and compliance with safety standards. The findings are expected to lead to recommendations for improving safety measures at similar facilities.
The railway administration has assured that normal services will be restored at the earliest. Commuters are advised to check train schedules for updates. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety checks in industrial operations near railway infrastructure.
