Kollam: On 10 July 2019, at about 20.18 hrs., Shri C Suresh Kumar, Loco Pilot of Train No.56701 Punalur – Madurai passenger train, saw a person lying between the rails near Murukkampuzha railway station and he took prompt action to stop the train by applying brakes.
The train stopped with the person trapped below the engine of the train. The person was rescued and miraculously he sustained no injuries. He was apprehended by escorting staff of Railway Protection Force (RPF), Trivandrum Division and he revealed his name as Abhilash. He, after consuming alcohol, had come to the railway lines to dispose of the bottle.
Unfortunately, such incidents occur frequently resulting in loss of lives or limbs. During the year 2018, in Trivandrum Division, 322 persons died after being run over by trains while committing suicide or crossing tracks. In the year 2019, 211 persons have already lost their lives in a similar manner. To prevent such tragic losses, regular awareness programmes are being conducted by RPF, Trivandrum Division and persons crossing railway tracks are also prosecuted under the Railway Act.
People can also help railways in addressing this issue by adhering to safety norms and adopting safe practices while in trains and in railway stations. In case of witnessing such incidents, the travelling public can also contact RPF Helpline No.182 for immediate assistance.