Passengers aboard the Hyderabad-Belagavi special train experienced a tense moment on Thursday evening when sparks and smoke were seen coming from one of its coaches. The swift action of railway staff prevented a potential mishap.
Alert Station Master Halts Train, Averts Crisis
The incident occurred as the train was passing through Shankarpally railway station at 7:26 pm. An observant station master noticed the alarming sight of sparks and smoke emanating from the wheels of a bogie located just behind the engine. Without delay, he communicated with the train guard using a walkie-talkie and ordered the train to be stopped immediately.
Swift Response Douses Flames
Acting on the alert, the assistant loco pilot and the guard quickly sprang into action. They used a fire extinguisher to douse the flames that had developed due to the overheating. An official from the South Central Railway later explained that the cause was brake binding.
Brake binding is a technical fault where the brake pads or blocks continue to stay engaged with the wheel even after the brake controls have been released. This constant friction leads to excessive heat, which can result in sparks or smoke. "Such incidents are reported occasionally," the official stated, downplaying the severity but acknowledging the occurrence.
Journey Resumes After Safety Check
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. After the situation was brought under control and necessary checks were performed, the train was cleared to continue its journey towards its destination, Belagavi. The timely intervention by the railway personnel ensured that a minor technical glitch did not escalate into a major accident.
This event highlights the critical importance of vigilance and prompt action in ensuring passenger safety on Indian railways. The coordinated effort between the station master at Shankarpally and the train crew proved decisive in managing the emergency efficiently.
