Train Manager : Vizianagaram Train Crash: Crew and Staff Negligence Kills 17

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Vizianagaram train accident crew negligence
2. Station staff failure in A.P. train crash

A major train accident in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, last year claimed 17 lives and left 34 injured due to errors in train working. The investigation revealed pilot errors and badly drafted rules that led to the collision. Lapses in railway administration and safety features in the coaches were also highlighted. The report recommended implementing crash-worthy features in passenger-carrying trains to minimize casualties. The findings underscore the need for a ‘Safety First’ culture in Indian Railways to prevent such accidents. The inquiry also exposed the lack of expertise in relief operations after train accidents, emphasizing the importance of training for disaster response teams.

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.

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.

Rescue Operations in Kantakapalli

Relief and rescue operations are ongoing at the spot of the rail accident in Kantakapalli, Vizianagaram district, of Andhra Pradesh. The tragic incident occurred between Kantakapalle and Alamanda railway stations in the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway. The collision between Train No. 08504 Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger and Train No. 08532 Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger took place at a speed of 82 kmph.

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 lost their lives in the accident.

Causes of the Accident

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 for the tragic incident. The investigation report highlighted the failure of automatic signals on all three lines, leading to confusion and lack of clear instructions for station and control staff.

The Station Masters’ communication with crew members over wireless devices further exacerbated the situation, ultimately resulting in the issuance of a Private Number authorizing the ill-fated train to proceed, leading to the collision.

Preventing Future Tragedies

To prevent similar accidents in the future, the report recommended implementing crash-worthy coaches with injury-free features on at least the last two coaches of every passenger-carrying train. Additionally, modifications to the layout of Seating-cum-Luggage Rake (SLR) coaches were suggested to improve passenger safety.

The investigation also highlighted the need for expert analysis on the placement of dead locomotives in trains to minimize casualties in the event of a collision. Furthermore, recommendations were made for providing specialized training to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to handle railway accidents effectively.

Lessons Learned

The tragic train accident in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and regulations in the railway industry. By implementing the recommendations put forth in the investigation report, Indian Railways can strive towards a safer and more secure rail network for passengers and crew members alike.