• By Vivek Raj
  • Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:39 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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A report by the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) has cleared Anil Kumar of any blame, the loco pilot of the goods train involved in the collision with the Kanchanjunga Express. The accident, which occurred on June 17 in Darjeeling, West Bengal, claimed 10 lives, including Kumar's.

The CCRS investigation concluded that Kumar was not responsible for the collision. Initial blame on Kumar and his injured assistant was based on premature assumptions before a proper inquiry began. Roshni Kumar, Anil's widow, expressed her satisfaction with the report's findings, stating, "His soul can now rest in peace."

"My husband was blamed for the accident within hours of the train collision. Still mourning his death, we were shocked to hear Anil being held responsible even before the inquiry had begun. But we are glad that Railways has conducted a proper inquiry and cleared him," she said, as quoted by TOI.

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The findings from the CCRS investigation revealed critical details about the sequence of events leading to the collision. The report highlighted that despite the presence of the Kanchenjunga Express, the goods train was mistakenly allowed to proceed on the track and was provided with incorrect clearance instructions.

It was also noted that the goods train was traveling at a speed of 78 km/hr when it spotted the rear of the Kanchanjunga Express. Anil Kumar, in an effort to avert the collision, applied emergency brakes and managed to reduce the speed to 40 km/hr before impact. The report highlighted Kumar's alertness during the critical moments, noting that he adjusted the throttle multiple times in a short span.

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The North Frontier Railway (NFR) has provided compensation amounting to Rs 25 lakh to Kumar's family. Additionally, a pension has been granted, and gratuity payments are set to follow soon. The railway authorities have also committed to offering employment to one of Kumar's sons upon reaching adulthood.