Phagwara, June 28 -- An alert train driver averted what could have been a major accident yesterday when a train approached a level crossing near Nakodar with the gate still open to road traffic.
According to eyewitnesses, when the train neared the crossing, the driver, realising the imminent danger, immediately applied emergency brakes and stopped the train just short of the crossing. The gatekeeper, who was responsible for closing the barrier, was reportedly found asleep inside the cabin.
Despite repeated attempts by the train driver and guard to wake him, the gatekeeper failed to respond, sources said. Taking charge of the situation, the crew themselves shut the crossing gate. During the process, several two-wheelers were trapped inside...