A preliminary investigation by the railway authorities regarding the accident in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday evening has held the driver and the assistant driver of Rayagada Passenger train responsible for the collision which left 13 passengers dead and 50 injured.
The collision occurred as the train disregarded safety norms by passing two malfunctioning automatic signals. Tragically, both crew members lost their lives in the accident.
Who is responsible for Andhra Pradesh train accident?
The investigative report, endorsed by seven experts who meticulously analysed the accident scene, available evidence, statements from relevant officials, data logger reports, and the speedometer chart, determined that the Rayagada Passenger train (Train no 08504) collided with the Visakhapatnam Palasa Passenger train (Train no 08532), which was operating at a reduced speed. This collision occurred because the crew of the Rayagada Passenger train had passed two defective auto signals.
“Hence, LP (loco pilot), S M S Rao, ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) of Train no 08504 (Rayagada Passenger train) held responsible,” the preliminary report said.
Two defective auto signals in Kantakapalli-Alamanda section
According to established railway norms, the train should have come to a halt for two minutes at the malfunctioning auto signals and then resumed its journey at a speed of 10 km per hour. Unfortunately, the Rayagada Passenger train failed to adhere to these regulations, resulting in the collision.
The report further noted that there were two defective auto signals within the Kantakapalli-Alamanda (kpl-alm) section, where the collision occurred. The Visakhapatnam Palasa Passenger train followed the correct procedure by stopping at both signals and then proceeding at a restricted speed of 10 km per hour. In contrast, the Rayagada Passenger train did not comply with these safety protocols at either of the defective signals, leading to the collision with the preceding train traveling at a reduced speed.
13 killed, 50 injured as two passenger trains collide
The accident transpired at 7 pm on October 29, when the Rayagada Passenger train rear-ended the Visakhapatnam Palasa Passenger train on the Howrah-Chennai line in Kantakapalli, Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh.
This tragic incident claimed the lives of 13 individuals and left over 50 train passengers injured. The report highlighted that four coaches of the Palasa Passenger train and two coaches of the Rayagada Passenger train were significantly damaged and overturned as a result of the collision.