Loco-pilot taken for testing of blood, urine samples

Loco-pilot of the Ernakulam-bound Bengaluru City-Ernakulam Intercity express (Train no. 12677) that derailed on the city’s outskirts today morning, A.T. Fernandes’, blood and urine samples are being taken for testing.

Sources said that Fernandes, in his statement to the railways officials, said that he felt a big jerk and applied emergency brakes, but by then the train was derailed.

When questioned if it the train was over-speeding, he said there will be a speed recorder in engine which would have recorded the speed. An inquiry in Bengaluru will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, some of the officers involved in the rescue work were injured. Electronic city fire station officer Venkateshappa was injured during the rescue work. A metal sheet hit him and while trying to block it with hands, both his forearms were fractured, sources said.

Civil Defence Chief P.R.S. Chetan was also rushed to the hospital after he fainted as the rescue spot.

S. K. Mittal, Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, New Delhi, visited the spot and conducted preliminary inquiry.