Howrah-Puri superfast narrowly escapes accident with two detached bogies

In a close call for the passengers aboard the Howrah-Puri Superfast Express, a potentially catastrophic accident was averted when the coupling of two coaches suddenly opened from the moving train. The incident occurred late on Saturday night near Nekurseni in West Midnapore, causing panic among the passengers.

The train, en route from Howrah to Puri, experienced a sudden fault near Nekurseni station at approximately 1:30 am. As the coupling of the coaches unexpectedly disconnected, the train came to a sudden stop, jolting awake the sleeping passengers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported due to the separation of the coach.

Railway officials and engineers from the Kharagpur division swiftly responded to the incident. Repair work on the coupling commenced immediately, but despite their best efforts, the couplings could not be reconnected. As an alternative arrangement, two new coaches were dispatched to Nekurseni.

The replacement coaches were attached to the engine, and passengers were transferred from the affected coaches to the new ones. Finally, at around 6:30 am, the train resumed its journey towards Puri, albeit approximately five hours behind schedule.

Passengers recounted the terrifying ordeal, describing the commotion and panic that ensued when the coupling disconnected in the middle of the night. Prompt action from the railway officials ensured the passengers' safety, as they were swiftly evacuated from the affected coaches.

Aditya Chowdhary, Chief Public Relations Officer of South Eastern Railway, stated, "The incident took place in the Howrah-Puri Express at around 2 am. Somehow the coupling got broken, and it was noticed by the train's security guard." Chowdhary further explained that the damaged coaches could not be repaired on-site, necessitating the replacement coaches from Kharagpur.

The incident occurred between the general and sleeper coaches, but after necessary repairs, the train was able to continue its journey without further delays. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the passengers, although shaken by the incident, reached their destination safely