Rail engine driver injured in accident

The coach driver changed tracks near Tondiarpet loco shed as he did not get signal clearance to continue on the same line

A routine inspection turned into a near mishap when two rail engines collided inside Tondiarpet diesel loco shed on Wednesday night.

The driver of the express coach engine was injured and admitted to Stanley Government Hospital.

On Wednesday, S. Dillibabu (36) was driving an express coach from Chennai Central to the Tondiarpet loco shed for routine servicing.

As he neared the shed, he changed tracks as he did not get signal clearance to continue on the same track. Assuming there would be no other locomotive approaching, he proceeded on the new track.

But, at the entrance of the yard, he noticed a diesel engine coming towards him. Before he could stop the engine, the express coach rammed the oncoming diesel engine.

“There was some problem with track aliment. The driver of the express engine should have been more cautious. A case has filed by the Korukkupet railway police,” a railway official said.

“There was a loud noise from the loco shed and thick smoke engulfed the area. Rail workers and a few locals rushed to rescue the injured railman,” said S. Kannan, a Tondiarpet resident.