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Empty Goods Train and Built-in Safety Features Minimize Casualties in Train Accident Near Chennai, Only 20 Injured

October 12, 2024 at 03:36:45 PM GMT+5:30

In a near-collision between the Mysuru-Dharbhanga Bagmati Express and a goods train, the impact and safety measures of the empty train and LHB coaches limited the number of injuries to about 20 out of more than 1,000 passengers. Similar circumstances in a previous accident resulted in more than 900 injuries and 290 deaths, emphasizing the importance of empty and lighter trains in minimizing casualties. The accident was caused by a possible signal failure and will be further investigated by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.

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Train Accident Highlights Importance of Empty and Lighter Trains for Safety

A near-collision between the Mysuru-Dharbhanga Bagmati Express and a goods train in India recently underscores the critical role that empty and lighter trains play in mitigating casualties in railway accidents.

Background:

In 2016, a similar accident involving two passenger trains in the same region resulted in over 900 injuries and 290 fatalities. The recent incident, on the other hand, saw only around 20 injuries out of over 1,000 passengers. This marked difference can largely be attributed to the fact that the train involved in the recent accident was empty, while the trains involved in the 2016 accident were fully loaded.

Empty trains, with no passengers or cargo on board, provide a buffer in the event of an impact. The lighter weight and lack of heavy contents reduce the force and energy absorbed by the train, allowing it to withstand the collision with less damage. In the recent incident, the impact was absorbed by the empty coaches, preventing the potential for severe injuries and fatalities.

Implications:

The accident highlights the importance of using empty or partially empty trains as safety measures. By reducing the overall weight of the train, the severity of a potential impact can be significantly diminished. This is particularly relevant in areas where passenger trains share tracks with goods trains, which are typically heavier and carry hazardous materials.

Top 5 FAQs:

  1. Why do empty trains provide more safety in accidents?

    • Empty trains weigh less and have less energy to absorb in the event of an impact, reducing the force and damage caused to the train and passengers.
  2. What other factors contributed to the minimal injuries in the recent accident?

    • The impact was further reduced by the use of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, which are designed to absorb impact better than traditional coaches.
  3. What caused the accident?

    • The accident is still under investigation; however, a possible signal failure is suspected.
  4. Will empty trains be used more frequently as a safety measure?

    • The incident may prompt railway authorities to reconsider the use of empty or partially empty trains as a standard safety measure in areas where passenger trains share tracks with freight trains.
  5. What can passengers do to enhance their safety while traveling by train?

    • Passengers are advised to avoid standing near doors or windows in the event of an accident and to follow instructions from the train staff.
    • They should also familiarize themselves with the emergency procedures and the location of emergency exits.
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