Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Tragic Train Accident in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh
An investigation into a major train accident that left 17 people dead and 34 others injured in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh last year has concluded that the accident was caused due to “error in train working”, adding that the collision could have been averted had the crew and operating staff followed the rules.
Pilot errors led to the Tragic Collision
A locomotive pilot’s decision to overshoot a signal in danger and his assistant’s failure to apply the emergency brakes even in the face of the approaching collision were the primary reasons why Train No. 08504 Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger smashed into the rear of Train No. 08532 Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger at a speed of 82 kmph on October 29, 2023. The accident occurred between Kantakapalle and Alamanda railway stations in the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway.
The Loco Pilot and Assistant Loco Pilot of Train No. 08504, and the Train Manager (Guard) of Train No. 08532 were among the 17 people who died in the accident.
Systemic Safety Lapses Exposed
The inquiry by Pranjeev Saxena, Commissioner of Railway Safety of the North East Circle, has also exposed lapses on the part of the railway administration, the National Disaster Response Force’s lack of expertise in handling relief and rescue operations after train accidents, and systemic safety lapses, including the failure of anti-telescopic features in the coaches of both trains and the malfunctioning of an automatic signalling system.
Coaches Lacked Safety Features
The probe revealed that the coaches of the two passenger trains lacked certain safety features that could have minimised loss of lives and grievous injuries of passengers. The anti-telescopic features of the coaches, designed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), failed to work in both the trains.
Recommendations for Improved Safety
Mr. Saxena suggested that at least the last two coaches of every passenger-carrying train should have crash-worthy and injury-free features. The layout of Seating-cum-Luggage Rake (SLR) coaches should be modified to shift the luggage portion to the two ends of the coach so that the collapsible portion is in the luggage area only.
He added that the guard’s section could be shifted with the provision of a rear view camera and speedometer to allow better monitoring of train speed. “All future specifications of coaches/train-sets must have crash-worthy and injury free features,” the CRS report said.
Conclusion
The investigation into the tragic train accident in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, sheds light on the need for improved safety measures and adherence to rules and regulations in the railway sector. By implementing the recommendations provided by Mr. Saxena, Indian Railways can work towards preventing similar accidents in the future and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members..