Kerala rains: Train halted metres before obstruction in track; major mishap averted

Kozhikode: A potential disaster was narrowly averted on Monday evening after a train traveling from Tirunelveli to Jamnagar came to an emergency halt just metres before debris blocked the tracks near Kozhikode, Kerala.

The dramatic incident occurred around 7 p.m. as the Tirunelveli–Jamnagar Express approached Kozhikode railway station at considerable speed. Heavy rainfall and strong winds had caused three trees and a large aluminium sheet — reportedly torn from a rooftop — to crash onto the overhead electric lines near the Mathottam–Areekkad area. The impact triggered large sparks and a loud bang, causing panic among locals.

Loco Pilot M.K. Pratheesh, who was at the helm, described the harrowing moments:

"There was heavy rain, sudden sparks on the track ahead, and then complete darkness. The track became invisible. I slowed down and moved forward cautiously. Suddenly, something appeared right in front of me on the track. I braked immediately without thinking twice."

The train came to a halt approximately 200 metres from the obstruction. Locals, startled by the loud noise and flashes of light, rushed to the scene and began signalling to the train using gestures visible to the driver. Their timely response and the train's reduced speed — owing to the power disruption — played a crucial role in averting a tragedy.

Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) A.J. Babu, who was on board, said passengers were initially confused when the train stopped so abruptly, just three kilometres from Kozhikode. However, they quickly realised the seriousness of the situation.

"The cooperation from the local residents was immensely helpful during this dangerous moment," Babu added.

When the overhead electric line snapped, it caused a total power outage on the track and inside the train, plunging the area into darkness. With the train stranded for an extended period, many passengers who were scheduled to disembark at Kozhikode alighted on the spot instead. However, finding their way to the road proved difficult due to the poor visibility and challenging terrain. Local residents stepped in to assist, guiding and even escorting passengers to safety.

Services disrupted for hours

Train services between Feroke and Kallayi were completely halted following the incident, particularly near Meenchantha Areekkad Ana Road, where the debris landed. Both tracks were blocked, resulting in delays exceeding three hours.

According to local residents, the storm struck with hurricane-like force at around 6:55 p.m., tearing a massive sheet from a house and toppling nearby trees. The falling debris brought down the electric lines and obstructed the railway tracks.

Following an alert from the loco pilot, railway officials — led by Station Manager C.K. Hareesh — and Overhead Equipment (OHE) inspection personnel arrived at the site. Crews worked to clear fallen tree branches from one track, allowing the Mangalapuram–Thiruvananthapuram Express to pass by 10 p.m. Restoration work on the second track, where the sheet had fallen, was scheduled to continue into Tuesday.