Mangaluru: 70-year-old woman averts train accident!

Team Udayavani, Apr 4, 2023, 9:33 AM IST

In a dramatic incident that could have ended in tragedy, a 70-year-old woman in Mangaluru, saved a train from a possible accident by stopping it just in time.

The incident occurred on March 21 at about 2.10 pm on the train tracks at Mandara between Padil-Jokatte.

Chandravati, who lives in Mandara near Pachanady, noticed a tree had fallen on the train track just as the Matsyagandha train was making its way from Mangaluru to Mumbai.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Chandravati ran to her house and grabbed a red cloth, which she displayed at the time of the train’s arrival. This caught the attention of the train’s driver, who was able to stop the train just in time to avoid a collision. The tree was later cleared by the locals and the railway department.

In an interview with Udayavani, Chandravati said, “I was in the courtyard of the house after having lunch. My sister was taking a nap at home. At the same time, I heard the sound of something falling on the train track in front of the house. When I checked, there was a big tree on the track.”

Aware that the Mumbai train was to arrive, Chandravati said she needed to take quick action.  “I was aware that a Mumbai train was to arrive. I did not immediately know what to do. I came home to call and inform someone. Then the train horn sounded. Then by God’s grace, I saw a red cloth nearby. I grabbed it and ran towards the train.”

“I have had a heart operation. Still, I ran towards the train to stop it,” she added.

The train driver who saw Chandravati waving the red cloth applied brakes to stop the train, averting a collision. The train halted for around half an hour while the tree was removed from the tracks.

This incident is reminiscent of farmer Franklin Fernandes, who averted a potential train accident a few years ago by stopping the train with a ‘Rathapushpa’ flower in his hand after noticing a crack in the railway track at Pachanady.

Chandravati’s quick thinking and bravery are a reminder that everyday people can make a difference in extraordinary circumstances.