Engine driver's skill averts major tragedy
 

by Rajmi Manatunga

A train derailment which would have endangered the lives of over 600 passengers was narrowly averted at Pallewela yesterday thanks to some smart work by the train driver.

The Railway Main Control Room said the special train which was transporting over 600 pilgrims to Colombo from Kandy escaped a major derailment by a whisker when the driver saw a rail placed across the track in advance and took steps to stop the train on time.

"The train had been deployed specially for the Kandy Esala perahera season. It left Kandy around 12.30 am. When the train was passing the Pallewela railway station the driver has noticed a rail placed across the track and with great difficulty managed to avoid any injury to the passengers," a Control Room spokesman said.

The Railways Department said it suspected sabotage behind the incident which took place around 4 am.

Railways General Manager Priyal de Silva has commended the train driver N.P. Gunasekere for taking swift measures to avoid what would have become a major derailment.

Train operations on the Main Line came to a standstill for more than four hours following the incident since the engines of the train had got 'locked' owing to the sudden stop.

However, the railway line was cleared for operations by 8 a.m., the Control Room said.

Railways Minister Felix Perera has informed IGP Chandra Fernando to take action against the saboteurs. Meerigama police are investigating into the incident.