A potentially serious railway accident was narrowly avoided near Nakodar on Friday, thanks to the quick reaction of a train driver. As the train approached the Lohia rail crossing, the driver noticed that the crossing gate was still open to road traffic. Realizing the danger, he acted immediately and brought the train to an emergency stop just in time.

Eyewitnesses said the train was fast approaching the crossing when the driver saw that the gate hadn’t been closed. The situation could have turned tragic, but the driver’s presence of mind prevented a disaster.

Shockingly, the gatekeeper responsible for closing the barrier was found asleep inside the cabin. Despite several attempts by the train’s driver and guard to wake him, he didn’t respond. Taking matters into their own hands, the train crew closed the gate themselves. During the chaos, a few two-wheeler riders got trapped inside the gate area, increasing the risk of an accident—but thankfully, no one was hurt.

This isn’t the first time the gatekeeper has been accused of neglecting his duties. Locals say he has a history of misconduct. Last year on May 26, he allegedly kept the gate closed for hours while under the influence of alcohol, causing a massive traffic jam in the sweltering heat. Though he was transferred to Firozepur after that incident, he was later brought back to the same crossing, raising serious questions about accountability within the railway system.

So far, railway officials have not issued any statement or taken visible action regarding this latest incident. However, it has sparked public anger and renewed calls for better oversight of railway operations.

Residents in the area are demanding strict disciplinary action and closer supervision to prevent such lapses in the future. Meanwhile, the quick action of the train driver and guard has drawn widespread praise for averting what could have been a terrible accident.