Puri, Aug. 14 (UDN): A major mishap was narrowly averted near Puri railway station on Friday after the engine of a MEMU passenger train reportedly derailed, causing panic among passengers and railway personnel.

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The incident occurred when the Talcher–Puri MEMU passenger train was approaching Puri. According to preliminary information, the engine went off the tracks near Platform No. 3, around 500 metres from the railway station.

No Casualties Reported

Fortunately, no casualties or major injuries were reported in the incident. The train was reportedly moving at a relatively low speed when the derailment occurred, which may have helped prevent a more serious accident.

Following the incident, passengers remained stranded as railway authorities launched restoration and safety measures at the site.

Railway officials, along with personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), rushed to the spot and secured the area. Teams were deployed to remove the derailed engine and clear the affected portion of the track.

Train Services Briefly Affected

The derailment resulted in a temporary disruption to train movement in the area. However, preliminary reports indicated that the movement of other trains was not significantly affected.

Railway officials were closely supervising the restoration work and working to clear the track and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

Cause Under Investigation

The exact cause of the derailment has not yet been ascertained. Railway authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inspection and inquiry to determine whether the incident was linked to a technical fault, track-related issue or another operational factor.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of safety inspections and preventive measures across railway infrastructure, particularly around busy stations and railway yards.