Driver averts train accident

VILLUPURAM: An alert engine driver averted a major train accident on the Chennai-Tiruchy section here on Wednesday, when a high tension electric wire hanging from a post got trapped in the wheels of a goods train near Janakipuram railway level crossing. The coal laden goods train was proceeding to Tiruchy from Villupuram. Electrification work on Villupuram-Tiruchy section was taken up a few months ago. The work on laying hefty copper wire was progressing on the section. Thieves had stolen a portion of the copper wire from the place late last night. The remaining part of the wire was hanging from the post near Janakipuram level crossing. The wire got trapped in the goods train wheels.Driver Thirumurugan heard a loud noise emanating from the engine. Immediately, he halted the train and jumped out. On information, railway officials from Villupuram station carried out the restoration works. Meanwhile, Ananthapuri Express and Rameswaram Express, going to Chennai, were detained for three hours. While Ananthapuri Express was halted at Kandampakkam the Rameswaram Express was halted at Ullundurpet. The trains left after a delay of three hours. Janakipuram railway level crossing remained closed for more than three hours.