A sleeper coach of the Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Special train developed a major crack and partially split near the toilet section shortly after departing from Ludhiana railway station on Saturday. The incident caused panic among passengers travelling in the coach.
According to officials, the S-2 coach suffered a structural defect that led to a portion near the toilets collapsing inward. As the damaged section gave way, toilet fixtures, including seats and other fittings, fell onto the railway tracks.
No injuries were reported in the incident, officials said. Passengers recalled feeling a sudden and violent jerk as the train began moving. Fearing a possible derailment, several travellers quickly got off the coach.
Railway authorities and emergency response teams rushed to the spot soon after the incident. Passengers from the damaged coach were safely evacuated, and the affected coach was detached from the train.
Ludhiana Station Director Aditya said a replacement coach was arranged and attached to the train. The train later continued its journey to Katra with only a minor delay.
The Railways has ordered a detailed investigation to determine what led to the structural failure and whether any maintenance-related issues were involved.
Deputy Superintendent of Police, Government Railway Police, Tejpal Singh, said initial findings have not indicated any signs of sabotage or foul play.
Officials said the damage appears to have been caused by a technical fault that resulted in the coach body failing soon after the train started moving.
They added that the outcome could have been much worse if the coach had developed the fault while the train was travelling at high speed, potentially putting passengers at greater risk.
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