Koraput, March 10: Ten people had a narrow escape as a goods train struck an ambulance when it was crossing the railway line in Odisha's Rayagada district on Monday, and dragged it for about 100 metres before coming to a stop, officials said. The incident happened between Shikarpai and Bhalumaska railway stations in the Kalyansinghpur block when the ambulance was crossing the tracks through an unauthorised passage. Odisha Train Derailment: 3 Wagons of Goods Train Derail at Titilagarh Yard Close to Railway Station While Heading Towards Raipur (Watch Videos).

As the train was plying at 60-65 kmph, a major disaster was averted, officials said. "The train's slow speed minimised damage to the ambulance, which was dragged for around 100 metre," said a senior railway official. The ambulance, belonging to a private eye hospital, was transporting patients from several villages in the Shikarpai panchayat for surgeries. Rayagada's Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Amitabh Singhal visited the site following the accident. Odisha Train Derailment: Freight Train Derails at Rourkela's Malgodam Yard, Crashes Into Shops and Settlements After Going Off Tracks; Videos Surfaces.

"There is a proper underground passage available, but some locals have been using the unauthorised crossing, which led to this unfortunate incident. Thankfully, no one was injured," he said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)