Disaster Averted: Kalindi Express Escapes Derailment After LPG Cylinder Found on Tracks
In a close call, a potential disaster was averted on Monday when a plot to derail the Prayagraj-Bhiwani Kalindi Express in Uttar Pradesh was uncovered, according to police reports. The incident occurred early Sunday morning near Muderi village, Kanpur, where a train collided with an LPG cylinder placed on the tracks. Thanks to the quick thinking of the loco pilot, who applied emergency brakes, a major accident was avoided.
The train, on its routine journey to Bhiwani in Haryana, encountered the cylinder around 8:20 am while passing through Shivrajpur. The pilot spotted the obstruction and immediately braked, though the train still hit the cylinder. Fortunately, the impact tossed the cylinder off the tracks without causing any harm, and the train came to a halt soon after.
The Kalindi Express remained at the site for approximately 20 minutes as the incident was reported to the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Following an additional stop at Bilhaur station for a brief investigation, the train resumed its journey.
Authorities recovered suspicious materials from the scene, including a damaged LPG cylinder, a petrol-filled bottle resembling a makeshift bomb, matchboxes, and a bag. Kanpur’s Police Commissioner, Harish Chandra, stated that a forensic investigation is underway, and security has been heightened on key railway routes. The RPF, along with the UP Police Dog Squad, is conducting a thorough sweep of the area, while additional forces have been deployed along the Anwarganj-Kasganj railway line to ensure safety.