Two people died after being struck by a train at Kalajharia railway station in Jharkhand’s Jamtara district on Wednesday evening.
The Eastern Railway, in a press statement, revealed that at approximately 7:07 pm, two individuals walking on the track were fatally struck by a MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train on the up line, about 2 km away from where the Anga Express had halted due to chain pulling.
Authorities have swiftly responded to the incident, with a three-member committee promptly formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Chetna Nand Singh, the Divisional Railway Manager of Asansol, however, confirmed to the press that the deceased were not passengers of the Anga Express.
“Anga Express stopped between Vidyasagar and Kasitar due to chain pulling. While the train was at a halt, another local train was passing in the UP direction. Two people who were walking on the track dashed against the train and succumbed to the injuries”, Singh told a news agency.
Meanwhile, condolences have poured in from all quarters. President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her deepest sympathies to the affected families, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the mishap, extending thoughts and prayers to those who lost their loved ones.
“The sudden loss of lives in the Jamtara train accident is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families, and I pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” a post on the President’s official handle read.
Chief Minister Champai Soren, while highlighting the need for support to the bereaved families, affirmed the administration’s commitment to relief and rescue efforts at the accident site.
“My thoughts are with the victims’ families. The administration is actively involved in relief efforts, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” he said.
As investigations into the incident continue, the accident serves as a call for heightened vigilance and safety measures in the future.
