Mumbai: In an unfortunate incident, as many as 16 migrant workers were killed after a goods train ran over them between Jalna and Aurangabad while they were sleeping on the rail tracks.
The migrant labourers, who had been walking for several kilometres, were sleeping on the rail tracks. It is believed that they assumed the trains were not plying due to the coronavirus lockdown and slept off on the tracks.
The deceased labourers were native of Madhya Pradesh working in SRG Company, Jalna in Maharashtra.
They were run over by the passing train at 5.15 am today at the district 360 km from Mumbai.
Four of the survivors, who are in shock, are being counselled by the police, senior police officer Aurangabad, Mokshada Patil said. The fifth survivor has been admitted to hospital with injuries.
“During early hours today after seeing some labourers on track, loco pilot of goods train tried to stop the train but eventually hit them between Badnapur and Karmad stations in Parbhani-Manmad section. Injureds have been taken to Aurangabad Civil Hospital. Inquiry has been ordered,” Ministry of Railways tweeted.
During early hours today after seeing some labourers on track, loco pilot of goods train tried to stop the train but eventually hit them between Badnapur and Karmad stations in Parbhani-Manmad section
Injureds have been taken to Aurangabad Civil Hospital.
Inquiry has been ordered— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) May 8, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the mishap and said that he has spoke to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.
“Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Have spoken to Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and he is closely monitoring the situation. All possible assistance required is being provided,” PM Modi tweeted.
Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Have spoken to Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and he is closely monitoring the situation. All possible assistance required is being provided.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 8, 2020
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, “Pained beyond words at the loss of lives due to a rail accident in Maharashtra. I have spoken to Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, concerned authorities in the central govt and railway administration to ensure all possible assistance. My condolences with the bereaved families.”
Pained beyond words at the loss of lives due to a rail accident in Maharashtra. I have spoken to Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, concerned authorities in the central govt and railway administration to ensure all possible assistance. My condolences with the bereaved families.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 8, 2020