Crane Collapse Disrupts Train Services in Balasore
Train services were disrupted for several hours on Thursday after a crane at a concrete sleeper factory near Gopinathpur Nilgiri station in Balasore district collapsed onto two stationary goods trains. Authorities are yet to ascertain the exact cause of the crane collapse. No injuries or casualties were reported as both trains involved were freight services, official sources said. However, the impact damaged the overhead electric (OHE) system, halting train movement along the route.
Railway officials and emergency teams rushed to the spot and began restoration work. “Our priority is to clear the tracks first and then restore the overhead power system to resume services,” a senior railway official said. An investigation is likely to be ordered to determine the circumstances behind the accident.
Restoration Efforts Underway
The damaged overhead electric system caused a complete halt to train services on that route. Railway engineers and technical staff worked tirelessly to repair the OHE and clear the debris. Emergency response teams were deployed to ensure the safety of the area and expedite the restoration process. Officials confirmed that no passengers were affected as the trains involved were freight trains, not passenger services.
The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at industrial facilities near railway lines. An investigation will focus on the structural integrity of the crane and adherence to safety norms. The railway authorities have assured that services will resume as soon as the track and power system are fully restored.
This disruption comes as a minor setback for the region's rail network, which handles significant freight traffic. The exact timeline for full restoration is yet to be announced, but officials are optimistic about completing repairs within a day.
