Odisha: MEMU Engine Derails Near Puri Station, Passengers Escape Unhurt

No casualties or major injuries were reported in the incident.

According to preliminary information, the MEMU train was on its way from Talcher to Puri when its engine reportedly jumped the tracks near Platform No. 3, about 500 metres from Puri railway station. The train was travelling at a relatively low speed at the time of the incident, which is believed to have helped avert a more serious accident.

The derailment brought the train to a halt and left passengers stranded for some time as railway authorities launched restoration efforts. Railway personnel, along with teams of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), rushed to the spot soon after being alerted and secured the area.

Special teams were deployed to remove the derailed engine and restore the affected track. The incident briefly disrupted train operations in the vicinity, although preliminary reports indicated that the movement of other trains was not substantially affected.

Railway officials remained at the site and supervised the restoration work. Efforts were underway to clear the track and restore normal train operations at the earliest.

The cause of the derailment was not immediately known. Railway authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inspection and inquiry to ascertain whether the incident was caused by a technical failure, a track-related problem or another factor.

The incident comes as a reminder of the need for strict adherence to railway safety protocols, particularly in areas close to busy passenger stations.