fire-rumour-sparks-panic-4-run-over-by-train-in-mp-s-morena

Four passengers, including three women and a child, were killed and several others injured after reportedly jumping off a train amid rumours of a fire and being struck by an oncoming express train near Hetampur railway station in Madhya Pradesh's Morena district on Sunday.

According to preliminary reports, panic spread among some passengers following rumours of a fire on the train. Several passengers got off the train and moved onto a neighbouring track.

The accident occurred around 4.15 pm when the Khajuraho-Udaipur Intercity Express came to a halt near Hetampur station in the Jhansi Division of North Central Railway.

During this time, the Firozpur-Seoni Patalkot Express, approaching on the adjacent up line, struck a number of passengers, killing four people and injuring several others.

 

Railway authorities confirmed that four people, including a child, died in the incident. The identities of the victims were yet to be officially released.

Also read: Nine killed in van–truck collision in UP’s Lakhimpur Kheri

Probe launched

In a statement, North Central Railway said preliminary information suggested that passengers had stepped onto the neighbouring track while the Intercity Express was halted.

 

“According to preliminary information received, while the train was halted, some passengers alighted from the train and moved onto the adjacent railway track. During this time, Train No. 20424 Firozpur–Seoni Patalkot Express, approaching on the Up line, reportedly struck some of these passengers, resulting in four casualties,” the statement said.

 

Officials from the Railway Administration, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and the local administration rushed to the spot after receiving information about the accident.

 

Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately, and assistance was being provided to the injured and affected passengers.

 

Authorities have ordered a detailed inquiry to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy. Initial reports suggested panic among some passengers after rumours of a fire, though railway officials have not yet confirmed the cause.

 

The Railway Administration appealed to passengers not to get off trains without authorisation and to strictly follow railway safety regulations.