A freight train in India took off on its own on Sunday 25 February after the crew momentarily exited the train and left the engine running. The train traveled 70 kilometres, taking 50 freight wagons with it.

The train started its solo adventure in northern Jammu and Kashmir, departing in the direction of Punjab on a downhill slope. According to Indian publication The Hindu, the driver may not have pulled the handbrake before exiting the train. Eventually, the train was stopped by wooden blocks that were placed on the tracks after having passed through five stations.

While the train ran away at high speed, nobody got hurt. Road crossings on the route were closed to prevent accidents from occurring. Regardless, India’s Northern Railways started an inquiry into the incident.

Also read:

• Can India teach some lessons on rail freight policy?
• India breaks freight loading record: 143 million tonnes in January
• India opens new dedicated freight corridor linking major power plants