Mohammad Shahbaz : 12-Year-Old Bihar Boy Prevents Train Derailment with Red Towel

A 12-year-old boy in Bihar’s Samastipur, Mohammad Shahbaz, displayed remarkable bravery and quick thinking when he prevented a potential train accident. Shahbaz noticed damaged railway tracks near Bhola Talkies Gumti on the Muzaffarpur Railway line and took immediate action to avert disaster.

Using a red towel as a warning flag, Shahbaz waved it towards an approaching train to alert the locomotive pilot. The pilot spotted the signal and applied the brakes, preventing a major accident on the Howrah-Kothgodam Express.

In a viral video, Shahbaz recounted the incident, stating, “We were going home when we saw the broken railway tracks. As we saw a train approaching, I used my red towel to wave at the loco pilot who saw me and stopped the train.” Railway officials arrived at the scene to repair the damaged tracks, ensuring the safety of subsequent trains.

In recognition of his bravery and public awareness, Samastipur Town honoured Mohammad Shahbaz with chocolates, a notebook, and a pen. Social media users lauded the young hero’s actions, with one user suggesting he should receive a national child bravery award.

Bengal Boy’s Heroic Act

A similar incident occurred in Malda, West Bengal, in 2023, when Musaleen Sheikh, the son of a migrant worker, used his red t-shirt to halt a train approaching damaged tracks. Sheikh’s quick thinking prevented a potential accident, earning him a certificate of bravery and a cash prize.

These instances of bravery highlight the importance of public awareness and quick action in preventing accidents on railway tracks. The courageous actions of Shahbaz and Sheikh serve as inspiring examples of how individuals can make a difference in ensuring passenger safety.