In a stroke of good fortune, no injuries were reported when a goods train collided with an ambulance at an unauthorised railway crossing near Kanipai, situated between Sikarpai and Bhalumaska stations on the Koraput-Rayagada line.
The incident occurred while the ambulance was transporting eight patients to Ananta Eye Hospital for eye surgery and an ASHA worker accompanying them. The train dragged the ambulance nearly 100 meters before the alert loco pilot applied emergency brakes, bringing the train to a halt. Thankfully, all occupants of the ambulance had already evacuated before the collision, escaping unscathed.
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has clarified that the ambulance was unauthorizedly crossing the railway track when it was struck. “Thanks to the vigilance of the loco pilot, who promptly applied the emergency brake, a major mishap was averted. All patients and the driver had already evacuated the ambulance before the collision, resulting in no injuries,” read the clarification issued by ECoR.
ECoR also noted that the area where the incident occurred had been securely fenced off on November 3, 2024. However, villagers had illegally removed the fencing, leading to this case of trespassing. The Railways have taken serious note of the incident and filed a case against those responsible for the violation.
Local residents have raised serious concerns about the safety of the railway crossing, highlighting that this is the third such incident at the same location. Despite repeated written complaints to railway authorities and the district administration, no action has been taken to construct an overpass or underpass at the crossing.
The incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and prompt action on complaints to prevent future occurrences.
