Engine snag delays trains

AMBALA, July 2: Timely detection of a fire in the motor of the Lohit Express engine yesterday, averted a major disaster and heavy damage. However, following the snag near Darajpur railway station, several express and and other trains were detained for up to two hours on the Ambala-Saharanpur section of the Northern Railway.

According to information reaching the Ambala divisional headquarters here, the engine of Lohit Express 5651 developed a snag and started emitting smoke soon after leaving Jagadhri. The driver brought the train to a halt and extinguished the fire caused due to traction in the motor by using the fire extinguisher provided in the train, while the railway authorities summoned fire tenders from Jagadhri.

Railway sources said if the fire had not been controlled in time, it could have caused severe damage to the engine. Due to the snag, the Lohit Express, which was already running ten hours behind schedule, was further delayed by two hours.