The Indian Railways has initiated an investigation into an incident where a Vande Bharat Express collided with an auto-rickshaw that had fallen onto the tracks at Akathumuri station near Varkala, Kerala. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has filed a case and detained the auto-rickshaw driver.
Initial assessments by railway officials suggest a significant safety lapse at the station, as a temporary road meant for construction purposes leading to the platform was not adequately secured. This lack of barricading allowed unauthorized entry to the platform, leading to the unfortunate accident.
Late on Tuesday night, the auto-rickshaw, driven by an individual from Kallambalam, accessed the station premises through the temporary road constructed for platform expansion at Akathumuri station. Subsequently, the auto-rickshaw reached the platform and toppled onto the tracks, resulting in the collision with the passing Vande Bharat Express.
