Bihar: Train was not supposed to stop at Dharma Ghat, say officials

Patna, Aug 19: At least 35 people are feared dead and over 40 reportedly injured when the speeding Saharsa Patna Rajya Rani Express ran over pilgrims in Khagaria district in Patna on Monday. Angry local people dragged the train driver and beat him up and also set some of the coaches of the express and two other neighbouring trains on fire in retaliation.

The kanwariyas (pilgrims) who were at the Katyani Sthan, a religious stopover for them, were crossing the Dharma Ghat section when the mishap took place. Monday was the last day of month-long prayer ceremonies at the Katyani temple near Dhamara Ghat. The pilgrims were returning after offering their morning prayers. Many pilgrims visit the temple during this period from July to August as it is supposed to be the sacred month of shravan, according to the Hindu calendar.

The pilgrims reportedly had left another train and were crossing the tracks when the Saharsa Patna Rajya Rani Express ran them over. Amongst the dead many are feared to be women and children. The driver who was beaten up by the local people is said to be in a critical condition.

The train was on its scheduled route and was not supposed to stop at Dharma Ghat, according to railway officials. Relief trains and rescue personnel that were on the way to the site were stopped mid way by the local people. The Dharma Ghat station is situated in a flood-prone area thereby making it difficult for the rescue workers to reach the site on time. Complete chaos prevailed at the station for a long time as the authorities were unable to manage the crowd on the site.

One India News