Two Men Fatally Struck by Train at Shut Railway Crossing in Palghar District

Two men lost their lives after being struck by a train at a closed railway crossing in Maharashtra's Palghar district on Friday. Another individual suffered serious injuries in the incident, according to officials. The Mumbai Central-Jaipur Express hit them near Hanuman Chowk, close to the Mahavitaran office. Vivekanand Kadam, head of the Palghar district disaster management cell, confirmed the fatalities and hospitalisation.

The victims were identified as Sonuram, aged 35, and Monukumar, aged 19. Anup Pandit, aged 20, sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance, as stated by a Western Railway official. All three individuals hailed from Motihari in Bihar and were employed as industrial labourers in Boisar.

Railway Crossing Concerns

Residents expressed concerns about the continued use of the closed railway crossing due to the absence of an alternative route for crossing from east to west. Despite its closure for many years, people still attempt to cross it. Former corporator Lakshmidevi Hazari mentioned that at around 8:30 p.m., the three men tried to cross the railway line when two were fatally struck by the train.

The group had travelled to Palghar for household shopping when the tragic accident occurred. A police official provided further details about the victims' identities and circumstances surrounding the incident. The lack of alternative routes has been a persistent issue for locals.

The injured individual, Anup Pandit, was fortunate to survive with injuries and received immediate medical attention. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at railway crossings that remain closed without viable alternatives for pedestrians.

Efforts are underway to address these safety issues and prevent similar tragedies in the future. Authorities are urged to consider providing safer crossing options for residents in areas where railway crossings have been shut down.