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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Vizianagaram train accident report
2. Safety lapses in A.P. train accident
An investigation into a major train accident in Andhra Pradesh that left 17 dead and 34 injured revealed that the collision was due to errors in train operation. The report highlighted the failure of crew and staff to follow safety rules, lapses in railway administration, and the National Disaster Response Force’s shortcomings in rescue operations. The inquiry also exposed systemic safety issues, such as malfunctioning signaling systems and anti-telescopic features in the coaches. The report emphasized the need for a ‘Safety First’ culture in Indian Railways. Recommendations include implementing crash-worthy features in coaches and providing specific training for handling railway accidents to the NDRF.
1. Andhra Pradesh train incident
2. Train safety negligence in Vizianagaram
An in-depth investigation into a devastating train accident that claimed the lives of 17 individuals and left 34 others injured in the picturesque Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh last year has shed light on the critical errors that led to this tragic incident. The incident occurred between the serene railway stations of Kantakapalle and Alamanda in the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway, casting a somber shadow over the tranquil surroundings.
**Pilot errors**
The pivotal findings of the inquiry conducted by Pranjeev Saxena, Commissioner of Railway Safety of the North East Circle, revealed that the locomotive pilot’s decision to overshoot a signal in danger and his assistant’s failure to apply emergency brakes were the primary reasons behind the collision. The tragic collision occurred between Train No. 08504 Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger and Train No. 08532 Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger, resulting in a heartbreaking loss of lives.
**’Badly drafted rules’**
Furthermore, the investigation exposed systemic safety lapses, including the failure of anti-telescopic features in the coaches of both trains and the malfunctioning of an automatic signalling system. The report highlighted the inadequacies in the rules governing the response to automatic signal failures, leading to confusion among the station and control staff. The Station Masters’ decision to inform the crew of approaching trains about the failed signals via wireless communication further exacerbated the situation, ultimately culminating in the tragic accident.
**’Anti-telescopic features failed’**
The probe also revealed that the coaches of the two passenger trains lacked crucial safety features that could have potentially minimized the loss of lives and injuries. The anti-telescopic features of the coaches, designed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), failed to function as intended due to modifications made over time to address sagging and corrosion issues. These modifications compromised the structural integrity of the coaches, contributing to the severity of the impact during the collision.
**Modified coaches**
In light of these findings, Mr. Saxena recommended the implementation of crash-worthy and injury-free features in at least the last two coaches of every passenger-carrying train. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the structural design of coaches to ensure passenger safety and minimize the impact of collisions. Additionally, he proposed modifications to the layout of Seating-cum-Luggage Rake (SLR) coaches to optimize the distribution of weight and enhance crash-worthiness.
**Double impact**
The investigation also highlighted the adverse impact of attaching a dead locomotive next to the main locomotive in one of the trains, leading to higher casualties in the train ahead. Mr. Saxena stressed the need for a comprehensive review of locomotive placement in trains to mitigate the risk of severe impact during collisions. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of providing specialized training to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to effectively respond to railway accidents and ensure the safety of passengers and rescue personnel.
In conclusion, the findings of the investigation underscore the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols and regulations in the railway sector to prevent tragic accidents and protect the lives of passengers. The recommendations put forth by Mr. Saxena serve as a roadmap for enhancing safety measures and improving disaster response mechanisms in the Indian Railways network.
