NE NEWS SERVICE
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JAN 17
An alert Railway Gatekeeper at Edava reported smoke in front SLR (Parcel) Coach of Train No. 06630 Mangalore central- Trivandrum Central Special at 07:35 hrs. on Sunday (January 17, 2021) while the train was running between Paravur and Varkala. On receiving the message through SM Varkala, Operating control at Divisional Headquarters, Thiruvananthapuram arranged for immediate traction power switch off in the section and the Overhead Traction Supply was de-energized.
The train thus stopped a Edava at 07:36 hrs. Switching off power supply is crucial during fire situation.
The locopilots and Guard of the train promptly swung into action and reduced the spread of the fire by using fire extinguishers and fire service was alerted. Fire service fully doused the fire at 08:09.
No casualty or injury to passengers and railway staff had occurred during the incident
Due to the alertness of the on duty Gatekeeper and prompt action by divisional control office a major mishap was averted in a timely manner.
The train arrived 90 minutes late at Thiruvananthapuram Central. No major repercussions to other train services on account of this incident and all services operated as per schedule.
Railway administration has ordered enquiry into this incident and forensic investigation also has been conducted on arrival of the train at Thiruvananthapuram central station, a release from Southern Railway said on Sunday night.
