Advertisement
In a tragic turn of events in Jamtara, Jharkhand, at least two individuals lost their lives when a train ran over passengers attempting to flee an alleged fire on the Anga Express. The incident occurred at the Kalajharia railway station, prompting the Eastern Railways to initiate a three-member probe into the matter.
Passengers aboard the Anga Express, traveling from Bhagalpur to Bengaluru, disembarked amid rumors of a fire onboard, triggering panic. As they tried to cross the tracks in an attempt to escape the perceived danger, another train on the same route tragically struck them.
Contrary to initial reports of a fire, the Eastern Railway clarified that the victims were not passengers but individuals walking on the tracks. Kaushik Mitra, an official from Eastern Railways, stated, “Two persons walking on the track were run over by the train at least two km away from train number 12254 passing from Vidyasagar Kasitar. There is no incident of fire. As of now, two deaths have been confirmed.”
A three-member committee has been established to conduct a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Rescue operations are in progress, with medical teams, four ambulances, and three buses dispatched to transport the injured to Jamtara, as reported by the Deputy Commissioner of Jamtara.
Jamtara SP Animesh Nalthany shed light on the situation, explaining, “Electric sparks were seen above the train bound for Yashwantpur (Bengaluru). This created panic, and rumors spread that the train has caught fire. A few passengers pulled the chain to stop it, and some passengers deboarded the train and started walking on the tracks when they were hit by another train.”
Expressing condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “Pained by the mishap in Jamtara, Jharkhand. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”
Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren extended sympathy to the victims’ families, emphasizing relief and rescue efforts. Health Minister Banna Gupta directed authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured.
President Droupadi Murmu mourned the loss of lives, offering condolences to the affected families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
