A goods train derailed in Odisha’s Rourkela on Wednesday and crashed into a residential colony, causing panic among the locals. Witnesses have said that if the train moved even five metres further, it would hit huts, leading to a disaster.

The incident took place at around 6 am while shunting work was underway. Shunting refers to the process of organising and sorting bogies into trains for departure.

However, the train suddenly jumped off the tracks and crashed into the colony.

There were no reports of casualties or injuries, but a tempo on the way of the train was crushed due to the impact.

The train driver fled the spot after the accident.

According to information, the colony has been illegally set up and locals opine that the incident was deliberate to drive out the residents.

Officials have launched a probe into the derailment.