Phagwara, June 28 (UNI) An alert train driver averted what could have been a major accident yesterday when a train approached a level crossing near Nakodar with the gate still open to road traffic.

According to eyewitnesses, when the train neared the crossing, the driver, realising the imminent danger, immediately applied emergency brakes and stopped the train just short of the crossing. The gatekeeper, who was responsible for closing the barrier, was reportedly found asleep inside the cabin.

Despite repeated attempts by the train driver and guard to wake him, the gatekeeper failed to respond, sources said. Taking charge of the situation, the crew themselves shut the crossing gate. During the process, several two-wheelers were trapped inside the gate area, heightening the risk of an accident.

The train resumed its onward journey towards Lohian station shortly after the incident.

This is not the first time the gatekeeper has been accused of negligence. According to local residents, he had previously been found intoxicated while on duty.

On May 26 last year, he allegedly kept the crossing gate closed for hours allegedly under the influence of alcohol, causing severe inconvenience to commuters in the scorching summer heat.

Following that incident, he was transferred to Firozpur, but was later reassigned to the same crossing, raising questions about internal accountability within the railway administration, sources said.

No official statement or action has been announced by the railway authorities on the latest lapse.

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