Thiruvananthapuram: An autorickshaw that got stuck on the railway track at Akathumuri station here was hit and dragged along by a Vande Bharat Express (No. 20633) en route from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday around 10.10 pm. Southern Railway, in a statement, confirmed that no casualties were reported as the autorickshaw was unattended, with no driver or passengers inside.

Meanwhile, police arrested autorickshaw driver Sudhi (28), who fled the scene after the accident. Police suspect that the autorickshaw overturned onto the railway track after the driver lost control and hit the second platform. They also suspect that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

The autorickshaw was completely damaged in the collision. Local police and Railway Protection Force launched an investigation into the incident.

According to railway authorities, a major tragedy was averted as the loco pilot immediately applied emergency brakes and brought the train to a halt.

“The Vande Bharat Express resumed its journey at 11.15 pm. after the vehicle was removed and safety of the track and train was ensured. No injury or casualty to the public, passengers or railway staff was reported. Normal train operations in the section were restored thereafter. The train reached Thiruvananthapuram Central at 11.50 pm,” Southern Railway said in a statement.

According to Varkala Fire and Rescue officials, the autorickshaw driver entered the track from a road adjacent to the railway line, after which the vehicle got trapped. Despite attempts to move it, the driver was unsuccessful and fled the scene.

The autorickshaw was removed from the track in a joint operation carried out by the Fire Force, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), engineering personnel and local police.

“We received the call around 10.35 pm and rushed to the spot. The autorickshaw was lodged in front of the train. A rope was tied around the vehicle and it was pulled off the track,” a Fire and Rescue official told Onmanorama.

Train service to Thiruvananthapuram was disrupted for more than one hour following the accident.