PALAKKAD: A major mishap was averted as an Innova car entered the railway tracks after crashing through a level crossing gate located between Kanjikode and Kottekad stations on Monday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 2.30 pm when gate No.156 was closed for letting Train No.12677 KSR Bengaluru City- Ernakulam Jn Inter City Express pass through.
The car had entered the track after crashing the cross beam of the gate. As the gatekeeper flashed a danger signal to the approaching train and managed to stop it well short of the gate.The car was removed from the track by 3.30 pm. There were two persons in the car and one of them - S P Suryan, a native of Vadavalli in Coimbatore - sustained minor injuries. They were returning to Coimbatore after visiting Malampuzha when the mishap occurred.
Since the signaling system at the gate was damaged, the trains were being guided through manual signaling, restoring train services temporarily. The Railway Protection Force registered a case under the Railway Act.A Railway officer said this was a clear instance of violation of safety aspects by road users at level crossings.
The Railways had conducted awareness campaigns and drives regarding the safety aspects to be observed at level crossings. In addition to this, warning boards were displayed and humps set up on the road to warn the vehicles. Red signal lights were also installed to warn the vehicles about approaching trains, he said.
Trains delayed
Train services were delayed as the accident led to suspension of train traffic.
Train No.12677 KSR Bengaluru-Ernakulam Inter City express was delayed by 60 minutes, while
Train No.22648 Thiruvananthapuram-Korba Express was delayed by 55 minutes. Train No.66608 Palakkad Town-Erode Passenger was late by 55 minutes and Train No.56651 Coimbatore-Kannur Fast Passenger was held for 40 minutes.