Train travel is often considered one of the safest modes of transportation, but sometimes, unusual incidents occur that make us question the laws of physics. On September 27, 2023, an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train from Shakurbasti had a mind-boggling mishap at Mathura Junction in Uttar Pradesh, India. This accident left everyone baffled as the train left the tracks and, quite literally, climbed onto the platform.
The Mathura Mystery
It was a seemingly ordinary evening at Mathura Junction when the Shakurbasti-Mathura MEMU train made its unexpected debut as a platform climber. The incident occurred at around 10:49 PM when the train had already come to a halt at the station. Fortunately, no passengers were on board at that moment, averting a potential disaster. Chaos ensued at the station as passengers and bystanders ran in all directions, startled by the surreal sight.
Investigating the Improbable
The big question on everyone’s mind is how could a train, which had come to a stop, suddenly defy gravity and mount the platform? The authorities wasted no time launching an investigation into this bewildering occurrence. As of now, the cause remains a mystery, but experts are meticulously examining the tracks, signals, and the train itself to unravel the enigma.
A History of Train Mishaps
While the Mathura train accident is undoubtedly a bizarre and unique incident, it’s not the first time trains have surprised us with their unexpected antics. Let’s take a brief look at some other memorable train accidents from history:
Firozabad Train Derailment (1995): One of the deadliest train accidents in Indian history, the Firozabad train derailment claimed over 350 lives. The accident occurred when the Kalindi Express derailed and plunged into a canal, resulting in a tragic loss of life.
Gaisal Train Disaster (1999): In West Bengal, the Gaisal train disaster was a horrifying collision between two trains that resulted in over 290 fatalities. The incident raised concerns about railway safety and led to improvements in the signaling system.
Kumbakonam School Bus Train Collision (2004): This heart-wrenching accident involved a school bus and a train in Tamil Nadu. The collision resulted in the loss of around 60 young lives, highlighting the need for better safety measures at railway crossings.
Kanpur Train Derailment (2016): In one of the most recent and tragic train accidents, the Indore-Patna Express derailed near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, claiming the lives of over 150 passengers. It shed light on the importance of track maintenance and safety.
Amritsar Train Tragedy (2018): During a festive event in Amritsar, a speeding train plowed into a crowd of people who were standing on the railway tracks to watch the celebrations. The accident resulted in a significant loss of life and raised questions about public safety awareness.
Nellikuppam Train Fire (2005): A fire broke out in the Tamil Nadu Express near Nellikuppam, Tamil Nadu, leading to the loss of several lives. This incident emphasized the importance of fire safety measures on trains.
Lessons Learned
Train accidents, whether bizarre or tragic, remind us of the importance of stringent safety measures and constant vigilance in the world of transportation. While the Mathura train accident has left everyone puzzled, it also serves as a stark reminder of the need for thorough investigations and preventive measures to ensure the safety of passengers and railway personnel.
As the investigation into this perplexing incident continues, we eagerly await answers to the questions surrounding how a train could defy gravity and climb onto a platform. Until then, the Mathura train accident remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of accidents in the world of railways.