KOZHIKODE: A century-old clock tower collapsed onto Platform 2 at the Kozhikode Railway Station around 11:10 AM on Thursday. No casualties have been reported so far in the incident, as a major disaster was narrowly averted.
The Kozhikode-Kannur Passenger train was stationed at the platform when the collapse occurred. Since the train was locked and scheduled to depart only at 2:05 PM, there were no passengers on the platform at the time. A few railway employees who were present managed to run to safety as the structure came down.
Following the accident, power supply to the station has been completely disconnected. Police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel have arrived at the scene. Train services have been temporarily suspended, with the Netravati Express and Ernad Express halted at Vellayil and West Hill stations, respectively.
Reports indicate that warnings regarding the dilapidated state of the 100-year-old structure had been issued previously. Kozhikode has been experiencing heavy rains over the past few days, which exacerbated the risk. Railway officials stated that the collapse occurred while they were in the middle of implementing safety measures. However, allegations have surfaced that authorities largely ignored earlier warnings.
A strict alert has been sounded in the area due to the risk of the remaining portions of the clock tower collapsing. Massive piling and renovation works are currently underway at the station, which had already raised concerns about the structural stability of the ancient tower.
