7.00am

Runaway train terrifies 1000 passengers

AROUND 1000 passengers are counting their blessings in India after their train carriages detached from the engine and sped backwards for kilometres before being stopped.

India’s railway ministry said a “ghastly” accident was narrowly avoided.

The 22 runaway carriages in the eastern state of Odisha rolled for 12 kilometres before being brought to a shuddering halt by rocks placed on the tracks by railway staff.

A spokesman for the railway ministry’s eastern division said none of about 1,000 passengers were injured in the incident Saturday night.

India’s railway ministry said a “ghastly” accident was narrowly avoided. Picture: AFP / Prakash Singh

India’s railway ministry said a “ghastly” accident was narrowly avoided. Picture: AFP / Prakash SinghSource:AFP

But seven railway employees who did not follow proper procedures have been suspended and an investigation launched into how the carriages became separated during the journey from the western state of Gujarat to Odisha, said spokesman JP Mishra.

Authorities believe that brakes applied when carriages are detached or attached to the engine were either incorrectly used or overlooked altogether.

“Something ghastly could have happened and it was averted by alert staff. Safety cannot be compromised,” Mishra told AFP, adding “more heads are likely to roll”.

— AFP

6:35am

Chilling selfie catches spiking

A festivalgoer taking a selfie captured the terrifying moment a man appeared to put something in her drink.

The woman was recording herself and a friend when another reveller dropped something into her glass, then sneaked away.

It is unclear what the man, wearing a black T-shirt and sunglasses, puts in her drink, or when this incident took place.

Footage of the alleged spiking was put on Twitter by the woman’s friend, musician Jaeda Sky.

It has been shared and liked more than 200,000 times, with many expressing their disgust at the man’s actions.

Picture: The Sun

Picture: The SunSource:The Sun

Picture: The Sun

Picture: The SunSource:The Sun

Ms Sky posted the video as a warning, telling her followers: “Ladies watch your drinks!”

She added: “I’ll never understand how a dude can ... feel the need to be such a disgusting predator.”

Those commenting underneath the video, shot at an unknown festival, were unanimous in their anger.

“Wow ... the drink can literally be in my own hand and I’ll still get roofied,” said Maya.

“A felony literally caught on camera,” wrote a concerned Jacob.

And Gisela Estrada said: “Man this why I don’t go out.”

The alleged victim was reportedly fine, having watched the video back in time.

— The Sun

6:10am

Wedding party evacuated and venue destroyed after luxury retreat goes up in flames

A Queensland couple will remember their wedding day for all the wrong reasons after their party venue went up in flames over the weekend.

Guests had to be evacuated from a luxury retreat west of Brisbane after a devastating blaze broke out from the kitchen.

Around 80 guests had to be evacuated. Picture: Channel Seven

Around 80 guests had to be evacuated. Picture: Channel SevenSource:Channel 7

Channel Seven reports that the historic homestead at Spicers Hidden Vale has now been totally destroyed because of the fire — which started on Saturday about 4pm.

The bride and groom had finished the outdoor ceremony and were evacuated with around 80 guests.

But the homestead, containing the kitchen dining, reception and lounge areas, was gutted by fire.

5:45am

Sydney man charged after gunshots ring out

POLICE have arrested a man on multiple firearms offences after shots were heard ringing out in Sydney’s inner-west last night.

The suspect was detained after concerned residents reported hearing gunshots in a building in Five Dock.

A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene at 11.15pm on Sunday. Three firearms, ammunition and other items were allegedly seized by police from the premises. No one was injured in the incident.

The man was charged with possessing three unregistered firearms and firing a firearm in or near a public place. He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Monday.