Sk Sultan, a mason, ran towards the New Jalpaiguri- Haldibari passenger train waving his sweater when it was fast coming towards an unlocked manned level crossing with many passers-by crossing the railway track, they said.
The train driver stopped the train after noticing Sultan's frantic run ahead of the level crossing.
Gateman Pes Mohammed of the level crossing told reporters that he did not lock the gate as no communication about the train reached him from Jalpaiguri station.
Jalpaiguri station master, Jiban Krishna Bala admitted a communication gap and said he would inquire into the matter.