**Train Averts Major Accident After Autorickshaw Found on Tracks**
A significant accident was narrowly averted on Tuesday night when a Vande Bharat Express train encountered an autorickshaw abandoned on the railway tracks near Akathumuri Halt station in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. The train, which was traveling from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, approached the halt around 10:10 PM when the locomotive pilot spotted the vehicle obstructing the down line.
Upon noticing the autorickshaw, the pilot promptly activated the emergency brakes, successfully halting the high-speed train and preventing a potential disaster. Railway officials reported that Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, engineering staff, and local police quickly arrived at the scene, discovering the autorickshaw unattended, with no driver or passengers in sight. News footage revealed the damaged vehicle lying across the tracks.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the autorickshaw may have overturned onto the railway line after the driver lost control and collided with the second platform. The driver, identified as Sudhi, was later apprehended by the RPF, who suspected he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident and had fled the scene.
After ensuring the safety of the tracks, the Vande Bharat Express resumed its journey at 11:15 PM and reached Thiruvananthapuram Central by 11:50 PM. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or casualties among passengers, railway staff, or the public. Normal train operations in the area were restored shortly thereafter. Railway authorities credited the quick response of the loco pilot for averting a major accident.
**FAQ**
**What happened with the Vande Bharat Express train in Kerala?**
A Vande Bharat Express train narrowly avoided a major accident after the pilot spotted an autorickshaw on the tracks near Akathumuri Halt station, leading to an emergency stop.
