Alert Loco Pilot Prevents Major Train Disaster Near Vansjaliya Bridge as Camel Trapped on Track is Rescued

A major train accident was avoided after a loco pilot spotted a camel sitting on the railway track between Vansjaliya and Ranavav in Porbandar early on Friday morning. The incident took place near Bridge No. 95 when Train No. 19015 Dadar–Porbandar Saurashtra Express was passing through the area at around 4.30 am. Loco pilot Kalidas and assistant loco pilot Jagdish Sahu immediately applied the emergency brakes and stopped the train at a safe distance.

Camel Found Trapped on Bridge

After the train stopped, the assistant loco pilot went to check the spot and found that the camel was trapped in the middle section of the bridge. The railway control, train manager S.P. Meena and the Vansjaliya station superintendent were immediately informed. Following instructions from Divisional Railway Manager Dinesh Verma, railway officials and staff started a rescue operation. A crane was used to safely remove the camel from the bridge.

Four-Hour Rescue Operation

The rescue and track-clearing operation continued for nearly four hours. The track was fully cleared and railway traffic was restored at around 8.45 am. During the operation, two passenger trains were cancelled and four trains were delayed as a safety measure. The railway team worked carefully to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

The quick action by the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot prevented a possible serious accident. A collision with the camel could have caused a major problem, especially as the incident occurred on a bridge. Divisional Railway Manager Dinesh Verma praised the alertness of both loco pilots and the quick response of the railway officials and staff involved in the rescue operation.