BANGALORE: A loco pilot of a passenger train was killed on the spot after the train collided with a lorry that came in its way at an unmanned level crossing.
Even the lorry driver was killed on the spot in the mishap which took place at Yerachaganahalli level crossing located near ITC Filtrona Factory at Kannamangala Gate in Devanahalli around 1.30 pm on Monday.
The deceased loco pilot has been identified as S Suresh Kumar, 34, a resident of Hebbal.
He is survived by his wife Subhashini and a son and a daughter. The identity of the lorry driver, aged about 35 years, is yet to be ascertained. Suresh Kumar was the pilot of train number 06596 which was plying passengers between Devanahalli- Yeshwantpur and Hosur.
The lorry was loaded with trimmed stones and it was passing towards Yerachaganahalli when the accident took place.
According to the police, the train had left Devanahalli around 1.30 pm and within a few minutes, it had reached the unmanned level crossing.
But the lorry driver who was in a hurry, tried to cross the track even after seeing the train. However, the train rammed into the lorry and due to the impact, the lorry broke into two pieces at the centre.
Further, the train dragged the lorry for about 40-50 feet ahead before it was stopped. “The train cabin was made of fibre glass and in the mishap, the trimmed stones damaged it and killed the loco pilot on the spot.
He died of head injuries and fell between two rails.
Meanwhile, the lorry driver was also killed on the spot following severe injuries,” the police explained.
Police had a tough time retrieving the two bodies that were stuck between mangled lorry and the train engine. After an operation of more than one-and-ahalf hours police finally got their bodies out.
They have traced the lorry owner and it is said that Narayana of Bagalur is the owner of the lorry.
“Narayana said that he had granted leave for the lorry driver and the driver had arranged other driver.
Hence, the owner does not know the lorry driver who is dead,” sources said.
Both the bodies have been shifted to Bowring Hospital mortuary.
Betting over crossing the track
Naveen Kumar, a security guard ITC factory, said that the youths residing in the surrounding areas bet and cross the track when the train comes.
“As it is an unmanned track, teenagers are used to betting with their friends and crossing the track dangerously as the train passes there.
Just a fortnight ago, a youth tried stunts as the train came and he was almost hit by the train.
Luckily, he escaped from them,” Naveen said.
Kumar, a driver residing in the area, said that after toll collection started on BIA Road, heavy vehicles started using Kannamangala Cross and entered Yerachaganahalli, Vidyanagar Cross and reached Yelahanka.
“To avoid paying toll fee, lorry drivers take these roads and the vehicle movement on the railway track has increased.” Meanwhile, the Railways has built a guard house near the track and plans to depute a guard in the few days.