The loco pilot of the freight train which rolled down on its own for more than 70 km in Punjab on February 25 had refused to work without the guard, an investigation report has revealed.
A joint probe by a team of railway officials into the circumstances that led to the 53-wagon freight train running down a gradient from Kathua towards Pathankot in Northern Railways found that the Loco Pilot Sandeep Kumar was told to operate the freight train without the Guard (Train Manager) and Brake Van, railway sources said.
However, he along with the assistant loco pilot refused to start the loaded freight train without the guard. After the Kathua Station Master informed the Control Room at about 5.25 a.m. on February 25 about the situation, instructions were given directing the loco pilot to shut down the locomotives.
