Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Aug 4: Frank Fernandes, the alert and quick-thinking farmer who averted a train mishap after he noticed fragmentation on a railway track, was honoured for his heroic deed by MLA of Mangaluru North Mohiuddin Bava here on Tuesday August 4.
As reported earlier by daijiworld, which was the first to break the story, Frank had stopped the Mangaluru-Madgaon Intercity Express on Saturday August 1 after he noticed that the railway track at Bondel-Pachanady had been broken. Using great presence of mind, he collected a bunch of red Pagoda flowers at the spot and used them as a signal to stop the train, thus averting a train derailment and possibly saving lives.
To appreciate his brave effort and reward him, MLA Mohiuddin Bava along with his supporters visited Frank's residence and honoured him with a shawl, besides handing over a cheque of Rs 5,000.
Speaking to the media, Bava said, "Frank Fernandes, a farmer from a rural area has averted a possible tragedy by stopping a train carrying around 1,500 passengers. Frank's brave effort has brought honour to the entire district and made everyone proud. I read about this incident in daijiworld."
He also said that he has already recommended Frank's name for the Rajyotsava Award. "I have already shown media clippings of the incident to chief minister Siddaramaiah and urged him to select Frank Fernandes for the Rajyotsava Award," he said.
"I am happy that Frank Fernandes is from my constituency. We must salute his noble act," he added.
Corporator Kavitha Sanil was also present.