LAHORE: Quetta-bound Akbar Express reportedly escaped an accident near Sheikhupura on Tuesday after its pressure pipes suddenly opened, making the locomotive’s automated system apply emergency brakes.

Because of sudden application of emergency breaks the train suffered a massive jolt, scaring the passengers who left the coaches and kept standing along the track for about two hours, according to an official source.

“Akbar Express which left Lahore Railways Station for Quetta, narrowly escaped a major accident, as its pressure pipe, which is supposed to build brake pressure, opened suddenly forcing the system to apply emergency brakes automatically. This scared and jolted the passengers, who immediately came out of the coaches as soon as the train stopped,” the official, who requested anonymity, explained.

“The maintenance staff took about two hours to rectify the fault, allowing the train to move,” he added.

On the other hand, Pakistan Railways’ Lahore Division’s chief Amir Nisar Chaudhry claimed the problem was not so serious. “It is a routine matter. It happens time to time and the fault is rectified within 20-25 minutes,” he maintained.

Chaudhry said all passengers remained safe since the automated system applied brakes after opening of the pressure pipe.

“Only building pressure takes some time after closure of the [pressure] pipe,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2020