Hyderabad train collision: MMTS loco pilot’s leg amputated, remains critical

Doctors at the Care Hospital in Hyderabad's Nampally on Thursday amputated the right leg of L Chandrasekhar, the loco pilot who was steering the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) train that rammed into Kurnool City-Secunderabad Hundry Intercity Express at Kacheguda on Monday. Due to extensive vascular damage to his limb, the hospital said the team of vascular surgeons had to go ahead with the amputation above the knee. Chandrasekhar was trapped in the driver's cabin after the trains collided. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had to use electric cutters to remove four layers of heavy metal and safely pull him out after almost eight hours.  The hospital said that injuries to his lower limbs had resulted in compression of his arteries, which in turn meant very little blood supply to his lower right leg. After a series of consultations and as a life-saving measure, they decided to go ahead with the amputation. Meanwhile, Chandrasekhar continues to be critical and is availing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. Doctors said he was on mechanical ventilator support and continuous renal replacement therapy with inotropic support. Four others who were injured during the accident were also undergoing treatment at the same hospital. This comes just a day after it was reported that the officials had pinned the blame on Chandrasekhar for the accident. After a preliminary inquiry, railway officials claimed that the loco pilot was at fault, as he had crossed a red signal, which, in turn, led to the collision. The Government Railway Police (GRP) at Kacheguda have now registered a case against him under Section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 337 (causing hurt by an act which endangers human life) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by an act which endangers human life) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).  Read:  Hyderabad train collision: MMTS driver booked as officials say he was at fault Watch: CCTV footage shows exact moment trains collided in Hyderabad's Kacheguda