4 run over by train after fire rumour sparks panic, passengers jump onto tracks
According to preliminary reports, a number of passengers moved onto a neighbouring track after the train came to a halt. They were subsequently hit by the approaching Firozpur-Seoni Patalkot Express - Train No. 20424 - resulting in fatalities and injuries.
At least four passengers were killed after being struck by an oncoming train near Hetampur railway station in Madhya Pradesh's Morena district on Sunday, according to North Central Railway.
The accident occurred at around 4:15 pm when Train No. 19665 Khajuraho–Udaipur Intercity Express came to a halt between Hetampur and Dholpur stations in the Jhansi Division after a passenger activated the Alarm Chain Pulling (ACP) mechanism in a general coach.
According to preliminary information released by the Railway Administration, several passengers got off the stationary train and moved onto an adjacent railway track. During this time, Train No. 20424 Firozpur–Seoni Patalkot Express was approaching on the Up line and reportedly struck some of the passengers.
The collision resulted in four fatalities. Authorities are yet to release complete details about the victims and any additional injuries.
Soon after receiving information about the incident, officials from the Railway Administration, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and the local administration rushed to the spot and launched relief and assistance operations.
"When the train was halted, some passengers went down. During this time, Train No. 20424 Firozpur–Seoni Patalkot Express, approaching on the Up line, reportedly struck some of these passengers, resulting in four casualties," read the official statement issued by the Public Relations Department, North Central Railway.
Railway officials said necessary support is being provided to the affected passengers and their families. A detailed inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact sequence of events and circumstances that led to the tragedy.
The reason behind the Alarm Chain Pulling (ACP) has not yet been determined. A committee comprising senior Judge Advocate General (JAG) level railway officers has been constituted to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident.
The Railway Administration has urged passengers not to alight from trains without authorisation, whether the train is moving or stationary, and to strictly follow railway safety guidelines to prevent such incidents.
'NECESSARY ASSISTANCE IS BEING PROVIDED'
The statement also mentioned that immediately upon receiving information about the incident, officials from the Railway Administration, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and the local administration reached the site.
"Necessary assistance is being provided to the affected passengers. A detailed inquiry is being conducted to ascertain the causes and circumstances of the incident," the officials added.
So far, the deceased have been identified as Afreen (35), wife of Nadeem Khan and a resident of Agra; her four-year-old son; Shakuntala (60) also from Agra; and Virma Devi (60) from Rajasthan's Bikaner district.
The Railway Administration also appealed to all passengers not to alight from a train, whether moving or stationary, without authorisation, and to strictly adhere to railway safety regulations.
'SOMEONE SHOUTED FIRE, FIRE'
A woman passenger who was travelling on the train said panic erupted after someone pulled the emergency chain and began shouting that a fire had broken out.
"People immediately started getting off the train. As passengers were crossing onto the adjacent track, the Patalkot Express approached from the other direction. Several people were struck by the train, leading to the tragedy," she said.
The passenger added that an entire family was caught in the accident. "The family consisted of a husband, wife and their two children," she said, describing the chaos that unfolded in the aftermath of the rumoured fire scare.