A 70-year-old woman from Mangaluru's Mandara is being widely praised for her quick thinking that helped in averting a possible train disaster in Karnataka.

Chandravathi, an elderly woman who lives on the outskirts of Mangaluru in Mandara near Panchandy noticed that a tree had fell over the railway track and she acted quickly to prevent the train accident of Matsyagandha Express commuting from Mangaluru to Mumbai.

Sources reveal that the incident occurred on March 21 around the early afternoon period. Chandravathi who knew the train would cross the track any moment immediately rushed to gather a red cloth so that she could wave it to the loco pilot of the incoming train.

The loco pilot who noticed it sensed the danger and slowed down the train and stopped it near the place where the tree had fallen. Later, the railway personnel and local people reached the spot and got that tree cleared from the path after which the train services resumed.

Chandravathi who recollects the incident told the reporters that as soon as she noticed that the tree fell on the track, she rushed inside with an intention of conveying the information to someone.

By then she heard the train's horn and realized that there was no time to waste and she rushed immediately to grab a red cloth. She had lately undergone heart surgery and she continued running without worrying about her health.

Her timely action and presence of mind not only did save the train from the collision but saved many lives. Recently, the Railway police also took note of Chandravathi's bravery and felicitated her for her actions. A programme of felicitation was held for her heroic act.

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Reference:

• indiatimes.com