Hyderabad: A shocking incident unfolded near Shankarpally in Telangana’s Rangareddy district on Thursday morning, when a 34-year-old woman, identified as Vomika Soni, drove her car onto active railway tracks between Nagulapalli and Shankarpalli, causing widespread panic and disrupting train services for several hours. The reckless act, reportedly motivated by an attempt to film a social media reel while under the influence of alcohol, endangered lives and halted critical rail operations, including Bengaluru-Hyderabad train services.

According to reports, the incident began around 7:30 AM when locals spotted a white Kia Sonet entering the railway tracks through Kodangal Gate near Shankarpally. The woman drove approximately seven to eight kilometers along the tracks, ignoring attempts by railway staff and bystanders to stop her. In a dangerous escalation, she allegedly threatened locals with a knife and hurled stones with an iron rod when confronted, further intensifying the chaos. Railway gang members performing maintenance work first noticed the vehicle, prompting immediate action to halt oncoming trains and avert a potential disaster.

The loco pilot of an approaching train spotted the car and stopped in time, preventing a catastrophic collision. Railway authorities swiftly suspended train movement on the Shankarpally-Hyderabad line as a precautionary measure, leading to the diversion of at least 10 to 15 passenger trains, including key services between Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The disruption delayed hundreds of passengers and affected rail traffic for approximately two hours.

Railway staff eventually overpowered the woman after her car became stuck at a crossing near Shankarpally. She was apprehended and handed over to the Shankarpally police under the Cyberabad commissionerate. The police later shifted her to Chevella Government Hospital for a medical checkup, where initial assessments confirmed she was under the influence of alcohol. A case has been registered against her for reckless driving and endangering public safety, with further investigations underway to determine additional motives, including reports suggesting she was filming a stunt for social media.

The woman, a native of Lucknow and a software engineer residing in Shankarpally, was described by some sources as being in mental distress, possibly exacerbated by joblessness. However, her aggressive behavior during the incident, including attempts to attack police officers during the rescue operation, has drawn widespread condemnation. The viral video of the incident, capturing her driving along the tracks, has sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for stricter action to deter such dangerous stunts.

“This was an unbelievably reckless act that could have led to a tragedy,” said Shankarpally Inspector K. Srinivas Goud. “We are investigating all aspects, including her mental state and the influence of alcohol, to ensure appropriate action is taken.”

The incident has raised concerns about the growing trend of risky social media stunts, with authorities urging the public to prioritize safety over online fame. Railway officials have also emphasized the need for increased vigilance at level crossings to prevent similar occurrences. The swift response of the railway staff and loco pilot was widely praised for averting a major accident.

The Shankarpally police are continuing their probe, and the woman remains in custody as the investigation explores potential charges related to public endangerment and vandalism. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible behavior on critical infrastructure like railway tracks.