Jajpur: The Ernakulam-Howrah Antodaya Express hit a JCB machine while passing a manned level crossing near Haridaspur station in Jajpur district on Wednesday. No injury or casualty has been reported.
According to railway sources, the incident took place around 10:15 am when the JCB machine developed some technical glitch and stopped on the railway track while crossing it. Noticing the train approaching, the driver of the JCB got down from it and fled.
Pantograph of the train was broken in the incident. The overhead wire and masts too were damaged. A diesel engine was immediately sent to the spot from Bhadrak to bring back the ill-fated train, which was heading towards Visakhapatnam when the mishap took place.
Following the inccident, movement of trains on the railway line was disrupted for a couple of hours.
Meanwhile, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Khurda road has suspended gateman Jashobanta Swain for dereliction of duty, prima facie, and ordered disciplinary proceedings.
