Kanchanjunga Accident: Documents Reveal Absence of Fault on Freight Train Driver

Kanchanjunga Accident: Documents Reveal Absence of Fault on Freight Train Driver New Delhi, India – Recent investigations have unveiled crucial documents that exonerate the freight train driver involved in the tragic Kanchanjunga accident. The documents indicate that the driver was authorized to cross red signals, contradicting earlier reports that blamed him for the collision. On January 19, 2023, the Kanchanjunga train crashed into a parked freight train in West Bengal, killing at least 65 people and injuring dozens more. Initial investigations suggested that the driver had ignored red signals, leading to the catastrophic collision. However, documents obtained by authorities show that the driver received clearance from the Assistant Station Master to proceed despite the flashing signals. The clearance was granted due to an interlocking malfunction that prevented the signals from changing to green. “The driver was acting on the instructions of the station master, who had the authority to authorize the movement of trains,” said a senior railway official. “Therefore, we can conclude that the driver was not at fault.” The documents also reveal that the station master involved in the incident has been suspended pending an internal inquiry. They are being investigated for negligence and failure to follow proper railway protocols. Experts have expressed concern over the implications of the findings. “This incident highlights the need for improved safety measures on our railways,” said railway analyst Amitabh Banerjee. “We must ensure that proper communication and authorization systems are in place to prevent such tragic accidents from occurring again.” The Ministry of Railways has ordered a thorough review of safety protocols and has directed railway officials to take immediate steps to address any deficiencies. The families of the victims have expressed relief at the revelation of the driver’s innocence but have also demanded accountability for those responsible for the accident. As investigations continue, the documents provide crucial evidence that exonerates the freight train driver and raises questions about the safety measures in place on Indian railways.Kanchanjunga Accident: Freight Train Driver Not at Fault, Allowed to Pass Red Signals Documents obtained by news agencies revealed that the driver of the freight train involved in the deadly Kanchanjunga accident was not at fault and had been authorized to pass red signals before the crash. According to the documents, the train dispatcher had given permission to the driver to proceed through the red signals due to operational requirements. The permission was recorded and communicated to the driver through the control system. The accident occurred when the freight train collided with a parked passenger train at the Kanchanjunga railway station in West Bengal, killing at least 67 people and injuring dozens more. Initial investigations had suggested that the freight train driver had ignored red signals and was responsible for the crash. However, the newly obtained documents exonerate the driver of any wrongdoing. Investigators are now examining the role of the train dispatcher and the broader operational practices that may have contributed to the accident. The documents also raise questions about the adequacy of safety protocols and the communication systems used on Indian railways. The release of the documents has sparked demands for accountability and a thorough investigation into the Kanchanjunga tragedy. The Railways Ministry has promised to cooperate fully with the investigation and take appropriate action to prevent similar accidents in the future.