LPG Cylinder on Tracks! Train Driver’s Emergency Brakes Prevents Major Tragedy!

Kanpur: A potential disaster was averted early Sunday morning near Prempur station in Uttar Pradesh when the loco pilot of a goods train, en route from Kanpur to Prayagraj, applied emergency brakes after spotting an LPG cylinder placed on the railway tracks. The incident, which occurred at 5:50 AM, has prompted a thorough investigation by railway authorities.

Upon arriving at the scene, railway police and security teams removed the cylinder from the tracks. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the 5-litre cylinder was empty. “A goods train was halted using emergency brakes after the loco pilot noticed a gas cylinder on the tracks near Prempur Station. Teams were dispatched to remove the object and an investigation is underway,” said a spokesperson from the North Central Railway.

This incident adds to a growing list of recent attempts to derail trains across the region. Earlier this month, the Prayagraj-Bhiwani Kalindi Express narrowly avoided a major accident after striking an LPG cylinder deliberately placed on its tracks. “The loco pilot managed to apply emergency brakes after spotting the object, and while the train collided with the cylinder, it was deflected off the tracks without causing any damage,” stated a senior official. A Molotov cocktail was also discovered near the site, further raising suspicions of deliberate sabotage.

Train derailment concerns have increased after a separate incident in August when 22 coaches of the Varanasi-Ahmedabad Sabarmati Express derailed near Kanpur. The engine reportedly struck a boulder, as described by the train’s loco pilot. Additionally, just last week, a six-meter-long iron rod was found placed on the railway tracks between Bilaspur Road and Rudrapur city, prompting another emergency stop by the loco pilot. Railway officials have not ruled out sabotage in these cases and continue to investigate the incidents.

The string of incidents has put railway authorities on high alert as they work to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo.