GUWAHATI: A major rail mishap was narrowly avoided at Dakshineswar Railway Station in West Bengal on Wednesday, July 29, after an 11,000-volt overhead electric (OHE) wire snapped and fell onto a local train on the down line, triggering intense sparks and thick smoke.
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According to the media reports, the incident occurred at around 8:50 p.m., when the Dankuni–Sealdah down local train came to a halt after the overhead equipment developed a fault. Dramatic visuals from the station showed bright flashes of sparks and plumes of smoke erupting as the live wire came into contact with the train, briefly causing panic among passengers.
Despite the alarming scene, no injuries or casualties were reported. Railway officials said the train's metallic body acted as a Faraday cage, preventing the electric current from harming those on board.
The power supply was immediately disconnected, and railway engineers rushed to the site to carry out repair work. Train services on the affected route were partially disrupted, with restoration efforts underway. Further investigation is underway.