Bhusawal Runover-When You Work Hard Towards Causing a Disaster
The deadly incident where a #Train stops, #Passengers jump out and are hit, and run over by a speeding train on an adjacent #track has shaken #railwaymen and public in general. Several people have reached out to us. This hurriedly prepared article is based on the messages received from: a recently retired #Level-16 officer, a #PHOD who had been a #DRM recently, and several officials of #Bhusawal Division.
Bhusawal Incident is Second Such Incident of the Day in Central Railway
Morning on #CentralRailway began with all WhatsApp groups of all divisions passing instructions of the #GM on cleanliness of stations. This reportedly got triggered by a call from #CRB and #ChiefSecretary of #Maharashtra Government to #GMCR on the nuisance of unauthorised #vendors at Lonavala and cleanliness of stations.
This shows that maximum #complaints were of Railway Protection Force (#RPF) at 15:00 hours on the day when #GMCR and #CRB had passed message on nuisance of unauthorised vendors on stations and on running trains. On Central Railway, RPF related complaints refer to presence of unauthorised passengers.
It is learnt from the staff on #PushpakExpress that the trigger was presence of unauthorised persons in the coach, #Smoking in coach and #Alarm chain pulling.
Even after receiving inputs of Chairman, Railway Board (CRB), getting instructions of the General Manager, Central Railway (GM/CR), Divisions did not act.
Disturbing News
#Accident happened fairly close to Bhusawal, which is the Divisional Head Quarters. Clearly, the division did not act on CRB’s and GM’s instruction passed in the morning.
It is learnt that after accident #ARME (Accident Relief Medical Equipment Van) was started as is the protocol. #ARME – which run through bypassing all the other vehicles on the track – travels faster than Accident Relief Train (#ART) which moves slowly because of the 140 Ton crane.
Self Propelled Inspection Car (#SPIC) carrying senior officers of the division started later. To allow SPIC to travel ahead, the #ARME was stopped and #SPIC was given precedence. It is learned from reliable sources.
Why this has appalled officers?
The authorities must act, keeping all possibilities open till they get factually ruled out. Clearly, this could have been an act of #mischief or even #terrorism, or an extra-ordinary behaviour all above the system till it was ruled out.
This means, #Division must have acted urgently to keep its routes open and clear the #yards and #loops to the extent possible. By taking SPIC, #Bhusawal wasted one set of #crew which could have cleared the sections.
By Divisional brass going on the ARME, it would have ensured a clear path for ARME.
By giving precedence to SPIC, divisional control made cardinal error never heard off in accidents.
But what to expect from ‘safe’ division which was forgiven for Signal Passing at Danger (#SPAD) on Rajdhani Express and mid section head on collision of two tower wagons!
Chicken has come to roost GM Sir. Please do not praise brazenness. #IndianRailways needs disciplined officers not self promoting types.