Mangaluru: Quick-thinking farmer averts train mishap


Deekshith D V
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 1: Timely alert by a farmer averted a train derailment and a possible tragedy at Bondel-Pachanady railway track here on Saturday August 1.

Frank Fernandes, a farmer by profession, showed splendid presence of mind when he alerted the Mangaluru-Madgaon Intercity Express about a broken railway track and managed to stop it just in time.

While he was walking along the railway track at around 8:20 am to meet his neighbour Peter, Frank noticed that the track was fragmented by more than 1.5 inches and the track was out of alignment. At the same time, Peter also came there and saw the broken railway track.

Quickly grasping the gravity of the situation, Frank informed about the broken track to his younger brother Oswald Fernandes. They then learnt that the Mangaluru-Madgaon train was to pass over that same track at around at 8:30 am. Oswald advised Frank to stop the train by waving a red coloured cloth.

However, Frank had no red cloth at hand. Then a clever idea struck him. He collected a bunch of red Clerodendrum Paniculatum (Pagoda) flower and waved it frantically at the approaching train. The loco pilot who noticed Frank's signal stopped the train, just metres away from the fragmented portion.

Speaking to daijiworld, Frank Fernandes said, "Seeing that the track was broken and out of alignment I stopped the train by waving the red flowers, and immediately the train was stopped by the loco pilot. Later the matter was informed to the railway authority. The track was repaired and only then the train resumed its journey."

He also said that the train halted for more than 50 minutes while the technical experts repaired the track.

Sources said that the Mangaluru-Madgaon Intercity Express (train number 22636) halted from 8.58 am to 9.38 am.

His neighbour Peter said that he had heard a strange sound when a goods train had passed on the track, and when he came to check, he saw that the track was broken.

Frank's brother Oswald said, "As soon as I received a call from my brother I asked him to stop the train with some red coloured material. Later he also informed about the incident to his friend who has contact with the railways. Later technical experts from the railways department rushed to the spot to repair the track."

However, the railway officials kept mum about the issue and even denied that the train had been delayed. When daijiworld contacted DRM of Southern Railways over the phone, he refused to give any information. Nevertheless, reliable sources in the railways confirmed the incident.

Sources said that other trains were allowed on the track at a reduced speed of 30 kmph instead of the permitted 65 kmph. It is also learnt that the fragmentation of the track occurred due to weld failure.

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Comment on this article

  • Francis DSouza, Uppinakote Malad Mumbai

    Fri, Aug 07 2015

    Good work Frank. God bless you. You will be an inspiration to others.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr Santosh Dsouza, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 05 2015

    That looks like the permissible gap left by Railway Engineers for expansion of tracks due to Environmental Heat. This gentleman wanted to prevent a mishap but ended up delaying a train.
    Good heart but wrong result.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Satish, New Delhi

    Tue, Aug 04 2015

    He did good thing, plus clicked so many pics, but dear where is the train which is supposed to be stopped ?

    DisAgree [5] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Armando, urwa

    Tue, Aug 04 2015

    Dear SAtish train went to report it to railways. Will return tomorrow to photo studio to click pictures after makeup.

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Armando, urwa

    Tue, Aug 04 2015

    Dear SAtish you are like shankar, but you spoiled few days thinking like detective reading again and studying photos again and again, but you will still remain dumb.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Diogo Nazareth, Mumbai/Byndoor/Kuwait

    Tue, Aug 04 2015

    It was Frank who came like an Angel

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • JOHN DIOGO NAZARETH, Mumbai/Byndoor/Kuwait

    Tue, Aug 04 2015

    Many Many thanks for Peter,Frank & Oswald for their great work, Peter you were like an Angel to so many passenger who were travelling on 'Mangaluru-Madgaon Intercity Express', if you had ignored this issue, there would have been a big tragedy in Mangalore History. Today i came to know that "Flowers" can also save peoples life. God Bless you and your Friends.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Af,, Mangaluru

    Mon, Aug 03 2015

    Railway concern dept. please recognizes him for doing such a great job.
    Gods millions of blessing will be with him.

    DisAgree Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • yogesh, mumbai

    Mon, Aug 03 2015

    in southern rly or konkan rly more than 75% railway employees - from tkt collector, inspector, pantry, foreman etc are non-kannadigas namely tamil, mallu or biharis so this negligence

    DisAgree [5] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Y. Swarna, Thane

    Mon, Aug 03 2015

    A great job done friend, hearty compliments to u. God bless you and your fly. ur friends who guided u.

    DisAgree Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alexius Da Rocha, Goa

    Mon, Aug 03 2015

    Good job Mr. Frank.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • stephen , mumbai

    Mon, Aug 03 2015

    Well done wonderful job mr frnak and party ..

    DisAgree Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • vellano1, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    god bless Frank ...dev borem korum! ... spledid job.. we need to be vigilante and help our system to be better.. compalint toh har ek karta hai! sudharne ke liye khud utharo! vhe vhe he will write to Suresh Prabhu! )

    DisAgree [2] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Narendra K sethi, Bhubaneswar

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    The other name of responsibility is Frank.The incident needs wide coverage in media for public information and to attract the attention of Railway for rewarding a good human being.

    DisAgree Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roney, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Dear Armando, Urwa
    I am appreciating your comment.

    DisAgree Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Frank Rocks, Railway department shocked!!!.

    DisAgree Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • mary dsouza, udupi

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    very good job...god bless you all..who has done this gr8 job...

    DisAgree Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis Dcunha, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    I know these 2 gentlemen. Both are always there when in need. Today they have once again proved their noble works. Great Job Oswald & Frank

    DisAgree Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • surajsantosh, mangalore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    caments reguarding Mr Shankar I will Get d phots of broken &twisted trak &up load in daigi

    DisAgree [1] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shankar, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Appreciate Frank Fernandes.
    But for people who have commented as if some big tragedy is averted,..
    From the third picture u can make out that the displacement is not even half an Inch. The wheels have wider mouths to cover these type of rail displacements. once a train passes, coz of movement of so many wheels, the rails fall in place again.
    Now press disagrees!

    DisAgree [98] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Shankar, Tum Kare Tho Chamatkar ...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Armando, urwa

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Shankar By your comment , you what to show that you are bright & Superior than others who has commented. Please note acciedent doest not require to happen immediately or within few hrs but it would have definetly occured after few days. Railway doesnot check all length of railway track or even praticaly it is impossible to check after every hour or every passing of each train. Dont be smart shankar be human

    DisAgree [5] Agree [68] Reply Report Abuse

  • Don, Udupi

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Shankar,
    Railway authorities are aware of discrepancy on the rails hence ordered to go on the speed of 30km/hour. This is reckless behavior on the part of railway authorities against the fixing the problem right away.Just imagine situation created by train-wreck - loss and damage.

    DisAgree Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Arun Ben, M'lore

    Mon, Aug 03 2015

    Brainless Comment... U r thinking u r Genius like your working in Railway Dept....

    DisAgree [3] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shankar, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 03 2015

    All of you, better talk to a railways engineer and get your doubts cleared. I did it before commenting.

    DisAgree [36] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shankar, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 03 2015

    Ottare disagree haakodchi.
    My earlier comment does not take away any credit of for the honest and frank effort of me. Frank Fernandes. I appreciate his act.
    My comment was about the fact that the fault on the tracks was not that dangerous. Thats all.

    DisAgree [28] Agree [6] Report Abuse

  • Ronald, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 03 2015

    Shankar, tell me now, knowing the fact, will you travel by the train on that track. Lets say train will travel with its full speed as usual. You sit in the front Bhogi.

    DisAgree Agree [25] Report Abuse

  • vincnt Dsa, Dubai/Shankeprpura

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Good work.Keep it up.Great presence of mind.He was alerted by unusual sound of track when goods train was passing.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • SUJIR PRAVEEN, MANGALORE/UDUPI

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Good Job...Life Banaadi...God Bless him....

    DisAgree [1] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • sharlet, padil/ mangalore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    There are so many wonderful people Live in bonded.The list is just increasing. God bless you guys.well done

    DisAgree [3] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Noel D'Almeida, Brahmavar - Bahrain

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    I salute you Mr. Fernandes. The Government should offer him a job in Railway for doing noble thing of ‘saving many lives’ / fatal injuries. This is a genuine humanity. Person who strives to live, is giving life to others’. Filling the vacancies through reservations will not save any lives, but will only promote ignorance and bribe.

    DisAgree Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • S.M. Nawaz Kukkikatte, Dubai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015


    Salute you Sir,
    God Bless you both Mr. Frank & Mr. Peter

    DisAgree [1] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • MUSHTAQ AHMED, MANGALORE/DUBAI

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Still goverment has not announced any Appreciation or Reward for his super job in averts train mishap,god bless you

    DisAgree Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roney, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Salute to Mr.Frank and fly. You all saved passenger lives.THANK YOU VERY MUCH & GODBLESS YOU.
    Dear Daiji,
    Did Railway Dept. Showed concerned to say thank to Mr.Frank???

    DisAgree [1] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Suman Menezes nee Noronha, Bondel/ Singapore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Dear Franky and Ozzy,
    Hats off to you for your alertness and presence of mind.May God bless you.

    DisAgree Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Hindustani, Manipal/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    JAI JAWAN JAI KISAN!

    WELDONE..GREAT JOB.

    MAY GOD BLESS!

    JAI HIND!

    DisAgree Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sandeep, Mulki

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Great Job Done. Frank, U saved many lives. As a reflection I hope the railway authorities wake up & take up necessary measures to strengthen the preventive maintenance of our Railway Tracks.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Raphael Tauro, Konchady Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Dear Frank, Ozie, Peter Superb job. Well done. Keep up the good work. God bless you.

    DisAgree Agree [44] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amin Bhoja, Patte / Riyadh

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    A timely sense of mind !!!we can see a clear difference between the young and the old and their thinking gaps! !

    DisAgree Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • oliver, udupi

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    "Sources said that other trains were allowed on the track at a reduced speed of 30 kmph instead of the permitted 65 kmph. "

    Really these authorities are playing with peoples' lives !!

    Stringent action should be taken on those people who are responsible.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    If you Salute your duty
    You need not Salute anybody.
    If you pollute your duty
    You have to Salute Everybody - APJ Abdul Kalam ...

    DisAgree [7] Agree [77] Reply Report Abuse

  • ivan fernandes, Mangalore/mumbai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Here the railways inspector has failed in his duty and his duty is substituted by Frank the great. Hat's off to frank

    DisAgree [5] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • kevin fernandes, mangalore/mumbai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Hello my Brother,

    If Everybody does their duty properly, this world can be a better place to live.

    DisAgree Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gopal Rathnam, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    I salute you Young gentleman
    Gopal

    DisAgree [2] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • grao, Mangalore/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Great job...... saluting you all...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joyce Rego, Bajpe / Abu Dhabi

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Real Heroes!!!!!!!!! Salute!

    DisAgree Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • vinayak, mangalore / dubai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    There are still good people in this world who care about others. Had Frank not considered importance of others life, it would have been a misery and cant even think about the consequences which would have taken place. Well done frank and god shall always keep you happy. This guy should be awarded for the noble cause he has done. Railways should always keep a good eye on the tracks and find out if there are any issues.

    DisAgree Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • FAB, AUD

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    should be awarded.
    See the innocent face alone in the deserted place manage to collect the flower to alert & save the unforeseen happening.....
    God Bless you Mr. Frank Fernandes.

    DisAgree Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunita Lobo, Abu Dhabi

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Nothing but Salute Salute Salute.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Brave Farmer..One side farmers are committing suicide..another side,farmer is saving people from certain death..This is India..

    DisAgree [11] Agree [61] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Are Bhai..Kyo DISLIKE karta hai ? I am not keeping well.Stomach upset...uske ooper aapka DISLIKE ?..Do you want me to sit in Toilet for 24 hrs..?

    DisAgree [8] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Thank & praise the Lord for saving so many people from the danger and major calamity. The passengers and the Railway dept. Need to honor Peter with some special gift as a token of gratitude for his presence of mind.
    "If God is with us nothing can go against us" I believe.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • haneef puttur, Mangalore / Dubai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    I am just thinking mentality of our people who clicked disagree on appreciation comments !!. When someone did a great job of saving many lives, we should have the courage and ability to salute him irrespective of his religion or name or status. Lets pray for the mental health of the people who clicked dislikes on below appreciation comments :) .. These are the people who are Real Cancer to this society.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [79] Reply Report Abuse

  • peter, Brahmavar

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Farmers are the back bone of the nation. They are feeding the nation and here we see saving the life of the people.Great and brave work. Wake up railway authority from sleep. This is your duty to frequently check the railway track and you are mum when Daijiworld contacted you.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [57] Reply Report Abuse

  • arun, londonuk

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    mr frank such a good job well done god bless u awake railway minister and railway authorities

    mr frank what a good job where r the railway minister where r the railway authorities awake still India is great

    DisAgree [2] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Monu, perla

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    good job.. brave family!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [64] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vikas G, Udupi

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Good Job Frank. Many people vow their lives to you for your presence of mind. Their blessings are the real reward for you. Monterey compensation is second.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • ramdas shenoy, mangalore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Brave Man. Timely action to stop the train and avert accident and loss of lives.
    Railway authorities please reward him.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [61] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohan H Naik, Mangaluru

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Great Job indeed. We require more of such citizen instead of disruptive kind.
    We need such Franks in each home.
    If one still do not understand, just imagine your loved ones on that Train and absence of Mr.Frank.
    The Railways and State Government Should honor him, which will encourage sagacious Citizen of the country.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [55] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Noble job by this gentleman, he came as a 'savior' to those travelling in the particular train!! Should be 'officially' applauded and rewarded for that!!

    Surprising that the railways are not officially recognizing the fact, could be due to the fear of those responsible for maintaining the tracks getting screwed up!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [67] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Railways should reward him by offering a job of linesman ...

    DisAgree [11] Agree [101] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Professional farming to linesmen, will he accept it Jossey bro?

    DisAgree [12] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Rudolf, what he did now was an alert linesman job and if a Chaiwala can ...

    DisAgree [28] Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse

  • Hubert D'souza, Mangalore Dubai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Thinking Wise For Alerting The Loco Pilot By Waving Bunch Of Red Flowers. God Bless You Dear Frank Fernandes..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [58] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sahil, Mangalore/Saudi Arabia

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Hats off.....!!! I request the government to recognize these two brave men on Independence Day. Once again great job Mr. Frank & Mr. Peter.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [55] Reply Report Abuse

  • Premlal.J.Suares, Kallianpur,Udupi. Dammam Saudi Arabia.

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Real hero Mr. Frank Fernandies. I proud of him and hats off. Indian Railways has to given award for him. He serves many of lifes and save from big tragedy.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Andrew L D Cunha, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    My salute to Sir Frank Fernandes. World will be a beautiful place if it is filled with alert and active persons like Sir Frank Fernandes - looking beyond the microcosm of one's own life and family.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronnie, Kinnigoli/Canada

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    True hero. This report by Daijiworld brings some kind of hope that all is not that bad in the society when compared to the all the crap that we hear, read and watch nowadays in India. Frank - a big thank you.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Good and Honest people still exist in India ...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [77] Reply Report Abuse

  • Neville Fernandez, Mangalore/Antigua

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    The gentleman should be commended by Southern Railways for his timely action. This will not only serve as a token of gratitude for helping avert what could be a major disaster but also act as a source of information to the general public - what do you do when you notice a problem in a railway line? Whom do you call?

    On a different note, weld failure? Or cover up? Somethings fishy!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • prr, sullia

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Thank you for saving many lives.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [44] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    God almighty must have sent him to the spot just in time to notice the danger.Who Looks at railway track usually when walk along?Thank you dear Frank,you saved a big tragody and many lifes.Railway should have thanked him atleast for his quick reaction and informing .May God bless him.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dayanand Bangera, Katapady / Abu Dhabi

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Superb presence of mind. Grt. job...need recognition...hope he will....

    DisAgree [2] Agree [66] Reply Report Abuse

  • anil, dubai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Look at the crooks in railway dept. to retain their post, position n chair no word on the problem faced or delay..... forget that a word of appreciation for the common man for showing presence of mind and for averting the accident and there by saving the lifes. The brainless people from concerned office of railways should be thrown out and these e to 4 people should be posted there.....sad to say our central railway minister may be busy in some celebrations n local mp busy in holding function over the mp grant spent.....

    DisAgree [6] Agree [57] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, BAHRAIN

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    Hats off to this gentleman Frank. May the Almighty shower his blessings on him and his family. "Service to mankind" is "service to God". My heart goes out to him for averting a big tragedy. Govt will definitely not do anything for what u have done...but yes my big Salute to you.

    Henry M/Bahrain

    DisAgree [3] Agree [55] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ads, Canadian

    Sat, Aug 01 2015

    Noble work of this man. God bless of you for saving the life of many due to such unknown evant

    DisAgree [12] Agree [169] Reply Report Abuse

  • Arun Ben, M'lore

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    for ADS, Canadian's comments 3 Disagrees are there....is there anything wrong in his comment?? How strange??? People who clicked disagrees are mentally stabled???? i don't think so....

    DisAgree [12] Agree [103] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Mangaluru: Quick-thinking farmer averts train mishap



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