NAWABSHAH: A potentially catastrophic accident was narrowly avoided on Friday when the Shalimar Express train, traveling near Nawabshah railway station, collided with a gravel-laden dumper truck that had become stuck on the tracks at a railway crossing.
Thanks to the quick actions of a gateman, who frantically waved a red flag to warn the train driver of the impending danger, the train’s speed was reduced from 180 km per hour to a more manageable level. This allowed the driver to apply emergency brakes in time to minimize the impact, preventing a major derailment and possible large-scale loss of life.
The train did collide with the truck, pushing it along the tracks, but it remained on the rails due to the reduced speed.
The train driver, Abdul Ghaffar, told reporters that he noticed the truck obstructing the tracks about 800 meters ahead and saw the gateman’s warning signal. He immediately applied the emergency brakes, which significantly slowed the train, preventing a major disaster.
Railway Assistant Engineer Maqsood Larik explained that the gateman had started to close the gate as the train approached, but before it could be completely shut, the truck driver attempted to cross the tracks. Reacting quickly, the gateman signaled to the train driver, helping avert a potential tragedy.
Heavy machinery, borrowed from the municipal administration, was brought in to clear the tracks and restore service, as the railway administration lacked the necessary equipment for the task.
The Shalimar Express was en route to Lahore at the time of the incident. The truck driver fled the scene, while rescue teams and railway officials promptly arrived to assist passengers.
Nawabshah Mayor Qazi Rashid Bhatti and Old Nawabshah town chairman Hayat Kakepoto brought food and drinks for the weary passengers.
