Panic after low-intensity blast on Jalandhar-Jammu rail track

JAMMU: A low-intensity blast on Jalandhar-Jammu railway track injured the gateman and triggered panic in the area.

Reports said that a low-intensity blast took place near Gate No. 71 on the Jalandhar-Jammu railway track which injured the gateman and triggered panic in the area. Soon after the blast, the traffic on the Jalandhar-Jammu rail section was suspended.

Prima facie it seems the explosive was a country-made cracker used to target wild animals, especially wild boars, in farmlands to save crops, a top police official said while dispelling any cause for panic.

In the incident, the gateman identified as Sonu Kumar from UP, presently residing at the Railway quarters in village Khudda, sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized.

A police official of GRP Jalandhar told media that the blast took place at Gate No. 71 near village Pallachak around 11:30 am.

He said the gateman on duty inadvertently stepped on the cracker used for protecting crops from wild animals, causing the blast.

“The condition of the injured is stable,” the police official said.

The services of forensic team and bomb disposal squad have been requisitioned to investigate the type of blast. The whole areas is being thoroughly checked. (Agencies)