Minor blast damages Punjab rail track; loco pilot injured ahead of Republic Day
Minor blast damages Punjab rail track; loco pilot injured ahead of Republic Day
A minor explosion damaged a freight line near Sirhind, injuring the locomotive pilot as investigators probe the incident ahead of Republic Day.
Near Sirhind station in Fatehgarh Sahib district, Punjab, a minor blast damaged a section of the freight track late Friday night and left the locomotive pilot with a minor injury. The incident occurred around 9:50 pm as the freight train was passing through Khanpur village, about 4-5 kilometres from Sirhind station on a line dedicated to freight traffic.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Nanak Singh visited the site, saying several investigation teams had arrived and coordination with other agencies was in place. He noted there was no loss of life or major property damage, and that the locomotive sustained only a minor cut to the pilot’s cheek. The engine and track damage were not significant, and normal rail movement was expected to resume soon.
Singh stressed that the investigation is in its early stages and it would be premature to comment on a terror angle. He pledged efforts to trace and arrest those responsible, as villagers in Khanpur reported hearing a loud blast. The incident has raised security concerns ahead of Republic Day, with authorities promising enhanced security and interagency collaboration as trains are restored and safety measures reviewed.
