Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Tragic Train Accident in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh
Last year, a devastating train accident occurred in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the loss of 17 lives and injuring 34 others. The incident took place between Kantakapalle and Alamanda railway stations in the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway. An investigation into the tragic event revealed shocking details about the causes and the systemic failures that led to the collision.
Root Causes of the Accident
The inquiry conducted by Commissioner of Railway Safety, Pranjeev Saxena, highlighted that the primary reasons for the collision were errors in train working. The locomotive pilot’s decision to overshoot a signal in danger and the failure of the assistant to apply emergency brakes were identified as crucial factors. Additionally, lapses in the railway administration, lack of expertise in relief operations by the National Disaster Response Force, and systemic safety deficiencies contributed to the tragic outcome.
Failures in Safety Features
The investigation also exposed significant lapses in safety features of the passenger coaches involved in the accident. The anti-telescopic elements in the coaches, designed to minimize casualties in collisions, failed to function as intended. Modifications made to the structural elements over time compromised the original safety design, leading to a higher number of casualties.
Recommendations for Future Safety
Mr. Saxena recommended implementing crash-worthy and injury-free features in the last two coaches of every passenger train. He also suggested modifying the layout of Seating-cum-Luggage Rake coaches to enhance safety. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for training the National Disaster Response Force in handling railway accidents to improve disaster relief operations.
Lessons Learned
The tragic train accident in Vizianagaram serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and regulations in the railway industry. It underscores the critical need for continuous improvement in safety standards to prevent such incidents in the future.
As Indian Railways strives to promote a ‘Safety First’ culture across its network, the findings of this investigation will likely drive significant changes in operational practices and safety protocols to enhance passenger safety and prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
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