Mandalay-Myitkyina railway line temporarily closed due to derailment caused by theft of rail fastening clips

It has been reported that a track safety patrol train derailed due to the theft and destruction of rail fastening clips on the Mandalay-Myitkyina railway line between Nankun and Hopin stations. On July 22, at 12:37 PM, a track safety patrol train departing from Nankun Station on the Myitkyina-Mogok line derailed with its locomotive and two carriages between mile posts 654/2 and 1 between Nankun and Hopin stations at 1:45 PM, causing the Nankun-Hopin section to be temporarily closed. Upon inspection by Myanmar Railways officials at the scene, it was discovered that approximately 120 feet of track (3 sections) at the accident site and approximately 120 feet of track (3 sections) near mile post 653/18-20 had been stripped of 408 rail fastening clips. It is understood that the accident occurred due to the removal of these clips. The derailed locomotive and carriages were quickly re-railed and track repairs were carried out, allowing the line to reopen on the evening of July 23. This act is considered highly reprehensible as it could lead to casualties among passengers and significant damage. Therefore, it is necessary for the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities to prevent railway accidents. Furthermore, according to Section 79 (c) of Chapter 18 of the Railway Transportation Business Law, enacted on January 5, 2016, anyone who removes, loosens, moves, or destroys railway sleepers, tracks, or any related objects connected to the track is subject to imprisonment for a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years, as well as a fine, under Section 84. Myanmar Railways has stated that a case is being filed at the Hopin Township Police Station to investigate the disappearance of the rail fastening clips, and that strict action will be taken in accordance with the Railway Transportation Business Law once the perpetrators are identified.