KOLKATA: The Down Hazarduari Express collided with two vehicles at a level crossing near Khardah railway station on Sunday night, causing significant panic.
The occupants of the vehicles had a close shave. The vehicles were severely damaged, and train services were disrupted from 10 pm.
According to locals, about 15 minutes before the Lalgola-Sealdah train was due to arrive at Khardah station, the level crossing gates were lowered.
Two vehicles - an app cab and an SUV - still tried to cross over. They managed to cross the first gate but got stuck between the tracks and the second gate.
The SUV driver had managed to escape in time but the app cab driver, Kamal Sarkar, was in the car. He had a lucky escape. Locals later smashed the windshield and brought him out.
The incoming train then collided with the vehicles, hitting the SUV first, before coming to a halt. The SUV was severely damaged.
The situation was further complicated as another passenger train was passing on the up line at that time. The level crossing gate was also smashed in the collision.
Eastern Railway CPRO Kausik Mitra said, "Around 8.40 pm, while Sown Hazaduari Express was approaching Khardah and the gateman was closing the level crossing gate, one Tata Sumo forcibly entered the level-crossing and dashed with the Hazarduari Express. The driver of the vehicle fled, leaving the vehicle on the tracks. No casualty was reported. the railways has lodged an FIR as the road vehicle forcibly entered the level crossing. The down Hazaduari Express ultimately reached Khardah at 9.20 pm."
Police said they are also investigating the case. " The vehicles are being towed away and we have urged the railways to quickly repair the damaged rail date," an officer said.