Sonarpur, 1 July (H.S.): A major accident was narrowly avoided on Monday night in Sonarpur, West Bengal, when a local train collided with a small commercial vehicle (Matador) at an unmanned level crossing. The Canning-bound local train dragged the vehicle for nearly 20 to 25 meters, but fortunately, the driver escaped unharmed after sensing the approaching train and jumping out just in time.

The incident took place near the Ganashakti crossing area of Sonarpur, where the absence of a level crossing led to the mishap. According to reports, the vehicle was attempting to cross the railway tracks when the Canning local train, having just departed from Sonarpur station, struck it.

Eyewitnesses reported that the train did not just hit the vehicle—it continued dragging it for several meters before coming to a halt. The impact temporarily disrupted train services on the route.

Soon after the collision, personnel from the Sonarpur Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) arrived at the scene, along with senior railway officials. Train operations resumed only after authorities ensured there was no significant damage to the train or the tracks.

Passengers faced considerable inconvenience, with many forced to disembark and walk along the tracks due to the delay. “This could have turned into a disaster,” said one passenger, adding that the accident highlighted serious safety concerns.

Railway authorities have launched an investigation, and locals are demanding better safety measures at unmanned crossings to prevent such near-misses in the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey