JCB falls on express train on Konkan Ralways, injures 16

Sixteen passengers sustained injuries, with three of them in a critical condition, after a JCB (excavating machine) fell on Jan Shatabdi Express when it was passing between Kankavali and Sindhudurg on Sunday evening, on its way to Mumbai.

When and how did the accident happen?

The incident occurred around 4.15pm, when the train was reaching Kankavali station. Just as the engine of the train crossed the excavation site, the machine at the quarry fell from the edge onto the train's first three coaches.
"The machine was of a private party conducting quarrying activity close to the railway track at Kaswan-3 cutting," said an official.

What happened next?

Train was taken to Kankavali station, which was nearby, where ambulances were kept ready to transfer the casualties to local hospitals. "Two passengers are critical and undergoing treatment," said the official. The train was halted at Kankavali station for a longer duration, so that railway officials from Ratnagiri could carry out an inspection and take a call on the onward journey.

Lucky escape

"My family and I were travelling in the train, but because our seats were spread out in different compartments, I had a narrow escape. My seat was in one of the damaged coaches, but I was sitting in a different coach with my family," said Anil Sawant, a passenger.

How badly was KR affected after mishap?

Officials said the route was largely unaffected, with only two trains — the Mandovi Express and Diva-Sawantwadi Passenger — getting delayed.

Has any action been taken yet?

Railway officials immediately launched an internal inquiry, while the police booked people involved in the excavation work for negligence among other charges.