Atlantis level crossing turns death trap

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The railways is probing a major “safety issue” at the Atlantis level crossing after the news of a few vehicles getting trapped inside the closed barriers two days ago. This occurred because a near-by building has direct access to the tracks even when the gates are closed.

“It’s a safety issue. We’re looking into how the building owner got a sanction. It still remains a mystery. We’re looking at which agency gave the permission.

We’re conducting a probe and a report is being made. We’re looking very seriously into the issue,” Ernakulam area manager Ashok Kumar said.

The house is located close to the liver room and upon opening the gates, vehicles have direct access to the tracks.

“That none of the agencies noticed this lapse for many years is a matter of concern,’’ Vijayan R., a local resident, said.

Another factor is that the distance between the two barriers is over five metres covering three tracks. At least three cars can be stationed inside even when the gates are closed.

“There is no rail movement on one of the tracks (the western side). There was a suggestion to shift one of the barriers to exclude this track,” the official said.

Meanwhile, three railways officials were suspended from duty pending investigation following the incident on Tuesday. Three cars had managed to squeeze in just as the railway gate was closing.

“Action was taken against station masters S. Rajagopal, N.P. Sheela and gateman Balaji for a lapse in duty,” an official said. The ET south police also booked the owners of the three cars under Section 283 (creating obstruction).