Odisha: Goods train derails, crashes into residential area
What's the story
A freight train derailed and crashed into a residential colony in Rourkela, Odisha, on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred around 6:00am during shunting operations—a process involving the organization and sorting of train bogies for departure.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the train suddenly jumped off the tracks and veered into the nearby settlement.
Close call
Train derailment narrowly misses huts, driver flees
Witnesses at the scene said had the train moved just five meters further, it could have hit huts and possibly caused a disaster.
Despite the severity of the crash, no casualties or injuries were reported. However, a tempo was crushed due to the impact of the derailment.
Reportedly, the train driver fled from the scene after the accident.
Probe initiated
Investigation underway amid residents' suspicions
The residential colony affected by the crash is reportedly an illegal settlement, which led some locals to speculate that the derailment was intentional to evict residents.
In response to these allegations and to determine the cause of the accident, authorities have initiated an investigation.
The probe will aim to uncover whether any negligence or deliberate action led to this potentially disastrous incident.