Timely detection of a fissure on the railway track by a gangman averted an accident on the Kollam- Ernakulam section on Saturday morning.

The gangman, Manoharan, detected the fissure on the railway track near Kilikollur while on a routine check.

But before anything could be done the Mumbai-bound Kanyakumari Express was approaching the point.

Mr. Manoharan immediately gave the signal to stop the train.

The loco pilot brought the train to a halt but the engine and four coaches had crossed the area concerned by then. Passengers on the four coaches said they could feel an unusual jerk.

Technicians from Kollam rushed to strengthen the portion with clamps.

The train was allowed to leave after an hour.

Later, the technicians repaired the track by welding the fissure.