Blast Derails Freight Train Near Sirhind Station In Punjab
Blast near Sirhind derails freight train, injures pilot.
A blast near Sirhind railway station in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib district derailed a freight train late Friday night, injuring the loco pilot and causing panic in nearby villages. The explosion occurred around 9.50 pm at Khanpur village, approximately five kilometres from Sirhind station, when the train was passing through a dedicated freight corridor.
According to police officials, the blast damaged a nearly 600-metre stretch of the railway track, causing the train’s engine to derail. The loco pilot sustained a minor injury to his cheek and was immediately provided medical assistance. Authorities confirmed that he is out of danger and no other casualties were reported in the incident.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Ropar Range) Nanak Singh said that several investigation teams, including forensic and technical experts, have been deployed at the site. While confirming that the blast was being treated as a criminal act, he added that it would be premature to comment on the nature or motive behind the explosion at this stage.
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Railway authorities acted swiftly, carrying out emergency repair work through the night to restore the damaged track. Officials said the affected section was repaired on a war-footing, allowing freight train operations to resume by early morning, with minimal disruption to overall rail traffic.
The police have registered a case against unidentified persons under Section 150 of the Railways Act, which deals with maliciously wrecking or attempting to wreck a train. Investigators are examining evidence collected from the blast site and coordinating with multiple agencies to identify those responsible.
The explosion triggered fear among residents of Khanpur village, many of whom reported hearing a loud blast that echoed through the area. Security has been heightened in and around the railway stretch as authorities continue to probe the incident and ensure the safety of rail infrastructure.
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