Machilipatnam Express was stranded for quite some time at Cherlopalli near SriKalahasti on Friday night. The train rammed into a tractor at an unmanned level crossing.  The tractor was carrying full load of bricks and paid no heed to the speeding train. The two drivers of the train succumbed immediately due to the high intensity of the collision.  The entire track was filled with heaps of bricks and the train was stranded for several hours. Passengers were unhurt and the details of the driver of the tractor are unknown.

The Railways disaster management squad rushed to the spot and rescue operations went on in full swing. Due to the thick cover of darkness, work could not gain momentum and it was estimated that the clearing would take till early hours. Passengers became very restless and tense as the delay was extended. Sources say that the clearing of debris might continue till morning. Further reports are awaited. The halting caused severe inconvenience to the passengers in the train. Being stranded in between stations also adds to the tension.  (With inputs from internet: AarKay)