Panic as passenger train races off without driver in India
Stock photo: Rex
An India-Nepal cross border train driver sparked panic when he disembarked to grab a glass of water - and the locomotive raced off without him.
Rafik Kawari was left stunned on the platform at Jayanagar station in Bihar as his train crossed the border on its own at 30mph, according to the Telegraph.
It powered on over a number of bridges, and through tunnels, while a crisis management team attempted to stop it.
Technicians said it had been in neutral gear when it took off from the platform, and officials blamed staff shortages at the Nepal Railways Corporation for its failure to stop the engine.
Crowds reportedly gathered to watch police and officials try and slow down the train, which was eventually stopped with placed obstacles, and diverted into a shunting yard close to Jaakpur station in Nepal.
The incident miraculously caused no injuries.
An investigation will determine whether Mr Kawari is allowed to keep his job.
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