Close shave for RCF Kapurthala staff as rail coach falls from crane

A tragedy averted at the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala on Tuesday morning when an incomplete rail coach structure fell from a crane while being shifted from one line to another in the Shell Shop. No one was injured in the accident.

According to witnesses, the mishap took place due to an alleged failure of the crane's lifting mechanism. A video clip circulating after the incident shows the damaged coach on the ground and a large group of workers gathering at the site.

Soon after the incident, members of the RCF Employees Union, along with other staff unions and associations, held a protest against the factory management. The protest lasted for three hours, during which work in the Shell Shop remained suspended.

Workers expressed anger over what they called negligence in maintenance and safety protocols.

A spokesperson from the employees’ union stated, “This accident is a result of carelessness toward workplace safety. We have been raising concerns about machinery maintenance for a long time and today’s incident highlighted the real risks faced by workers daily. We want a transparent inquiry and immediate action from the administration.”

The RCF management gave an assurance to review the workers’ demands and take steps.