Major mishap averted: TVPM-Chennai train jumps red signal at Ochira in Kollam

Kollam: A major mishap was averted on Tuesday evening after the loco pilot of Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai SuperFast Express train allegedly jumped the signal at Ochira near here.

The train had left Thiruvananthapuram at 5.10 pm and reached Kollam around 6.30 pm. Just before the train reached the station, the Guwahati Express had  departed, following which the level crossing was opened for the motor vehicles to pass through. The signal was still red.

But the Chennai Mail crossed the red signal, and the traffic signal department called for the train to be stopped immediately, averting a major tragedy. The train was delayed by three-and-a-half hours due to the incident.

Loco pilot, Sudheer, was taken into custody and taken for standard medical examination, railway officials said.

Another set of loco drivers was summoned for the onward journey of the train.

The incident comes close on the heels of derailment of the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore Express at Karukutty near Angamaly on Sunday.