Train hits cement pole, disaster averted

Lucknow, May 7 (IANS) A disaster was averted early on Monday when the driver of a train in Uttar Pradesh applied emergency brakes after bumping into a cement pole lying on the tracks, officials said.

The incident took place between Fatehpur and Kurasti Kalan railway stations around 3.15 a.m. when the Poorva Express was passing, the officials said.

The four-foot pole was later sent to Allahabad for inspection.

An official said the object could have derailed the train. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has filed a case against unidentified miscreants for attempted sabotage.

The train was held up at the site for over 25 minutes and moved to Kanpur after the pole was removed.

Traffic inspector Manoj Kumar said a third track was being laid. Someone possibly picked up the pole and put it on the track, he said.

RPF officials said prima facie it appeared to be a case of sabotage and an attempt to derail the train.