Soro: A major train accident was narrowly averted at Soro railway station in Balasore district Sunday evening, rekindling memories of the Bahanaga train tragedy.
Sources said the Howrah-Bhubaneswar Jan Shatabdi Express (12073) arrived at Soro station at 5:36 pm and was scheduled to depart at 5:46 pm. At the same time, the Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express (12277) was approaching the station at a low speed as the track had not yet been cleared.
However, due to alleged negligence by the loco pilot, the incoming train overshot the halt point near the level crossing and entered the platform area without clearance. Acting swiftly, the station master halted the Jan Shatabdi Express at Soro station and diverted the Shatabdi Express to Markona station, preventing a collision.
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Railway officials later removed the loco pilot, assistant pilot and guard from duty at Markona station and replaced them with a new crew. The train eventually departed from Markona station one and a half hours behind schedule.
Senior officials arrived at the station and began questioning the three suspended staff members. An investigation into the incident is underway.
PNN