Bihar train mows down 37 pilgrims
The 'kanwarias' were crossing the tracks when Saharsa-patna Rajyarani Express, speeding at 80 kmph, ploughed into them
Thirty-seven pilgrims, including women and children, standing on rail tracks were killed when a speeding express train ploughed into them in Bihar's Khagaria district, triggering angry protests from locals who attacked the train driver, set ablaze a coach, held railway staff hostage for a while, and vandalized the station.
Those killed were mostly 'kanwarias' or devotees of Lord Shiva, who were crossing the tracks to visit a popular Shiva temple at Katyani Sthan, a religious stopover. They had just alighted from a train and were walking on the tracks when the SaharsaPatna Rajyarani Express, travelling at 80 kmph, ran over them. The driver applied the emergency brakes when he spotted the pilgrims but it was too late.
The railway authorities said the train was running on its scheduled route (Saharsa to Patna) and was not supposed to halt at the Dhamara station. "It's a three-track station. Two trains were already
standing at the station and the crowd was moving on the third track. A super fast train was coming on that track and they were run over," Railway Board Chairman Arunendra Kumar said. Bodies lay on rail tracks for hours as the angry mob made it difficult for rescue teams to reach the spot, which is inaccessible by road. Rescue workers, district and police officials had to walk over 3 km, cross a river and walk along train tracks to reach the site at Dhamara Ghat station. There are no hospitals or roads in the area. None other than the Prime Minister appealed for calm in the area so that the relief and rescue operations could be carried out without any hindrance. Two relief trains were on their way to the spot but stopped midway seeing the mob fury. They proceeded after forces secured the site. One of the relief trains from Saharsa has reached the spot. The Bihar Chief Minister has announced a compensation of Rs two lakh for family of each of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured. He ruled out any lapse by the state administration. "Our officers from two districts have rushed to the accident site. It is a difficult area which could be reached only after trudging for three hours as there is no approach road to the area." Asked if the accident was the Railways fault, Kumar said this was for the Railways to ascertain. He said it was a matter of investigation whether speed restriction was ordered considering that the day was the last Monday of Shravan and a large crowd of pilgrims was expected. An inquiry has been ordered.