A potential disaster was narrowly avoided near Kovilpatti on Tuesday when a vigilant railway official sprang into action to prevent a collision between two passenger trains. According to The Hindu, both trains were placed on the same track due to a major safety protocol violation, endangering the lives of hundreds of travellers.

Noticing the imminent threat, the official issued emergency halt commands within seconds, successfully averting what could have been a catastrophic crash. No injuries or fatalities were reported, but the incident has raised serious questions about operational safety and the enforcement of railway procedures.

The prompt and decisive actions of the unnamed employee have been widely praised by railway authorities and commuters alike. Officials are reviewing the timeline to understand how such a breach occurred in the first place. Demands are growing for faster implementation of automated protection systems, such as Kavach, which automatically stops trains to prevent collisions .

This close call highlights the vital role of human vigilance, even as technology steps in to bolster rail safety standards.