NATIONAL: Tragedy in UP: Train Mows Down 6 Pilgrims Crossing Tracks
In a heartbreaking incident that has cast a shadow over the sacred rituals of Kartik Purnima, six pilgrims lost their lives at Chunar railway station in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district.
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday morning as the group, en route to Varanasi for a holy dip in the Ganges, met with disaster on the tracks.
The victims had arrived via the Chopan-Prayagraj Express and disembarked on the wrong side of the platform. In their haste to reach the opposite side, they crossed the active railway line instead of using the available foot overbridge.
Moments later, the high-speed Howrah-Kalka Netaji Express struck them, turning a moment of devotion into one of profound loss.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene around 9:30 a.m., with several bodies severely impacted by the collision.
Among the deceased were at least six women, highlighting the vulnerability of crowds during peak festival travel.
Reports indicate 7-8 individuals were hit, underscoring the swift and devastating nature of the event.
Swift Response and Official Probe
Emergency teams rushed to the site, airlifting the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent care.
Local authorities, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), mobilized to aid rescue efforts and provide medical support.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the mishap, directing a thorough investigation into the circumstances.
He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ensured ongoing assistance for those affected.
Railway officials emphasized the presence of safety infrastructure like the foot overbridge, raising questions about awareness and enforcement during high-traffic religious gatherings.
As the probe unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened vigilance at transit points tied to cultural events.
This accident comes amid a string of recent rail mishaps in India, including one in Chhattisgarh that claimed 11 lives just a day prior.
It prompts reflection: In blending faith with mobility, how can we better safeguard the faithful on their journeys?