Six passengers were killed after they were hit by another train while alighting from the wrong side of their bus at Chunar railway station. According to Indian Railways, the tragedy occurred when several passengers tried to get off the train on the wrong side and were run over.
The incident took place at around 9.30 am on Wednesday when the Chopan Express stopped at platform four of Chunar railway station and the passengers reportedly decided to alight from the wrong side.
UP Minister Sanjeev Kumar Gaud called it an unfortunate incident. “We learned that 6 people died here, 5 of them belonged to Mirzapur district and 1 belonged to Sonbhadra,” he said.
Government Railway Police Inspector Raghvendra Singh confirmed six dead. The deceased have been identified as Savita, 28, Sadhna, 16, Shiv Kumari, 12, Anju Devi, 20, Sushila Devi, 60, and Kalawati, 50.
The Netaji Express ran over the main line and ran over passengers, Amit Singh, Public Relations Officer, NCR Prayagraj Division, told PTI.
The deceased had come to the city for Kartik Purnima Snan. Singh pointed out that there is a footbridge.
“These passengers had come to Mirzapur for Kartik Purnima Snan (bath). Despite the availability of the footbridge, they were crossing platforms from the tracks due to which the incident took place,” the transporter said in a statement.
In a statement, Indian Railways said, “Train No. 13309 (Chopan – Prayagraj Express) arrived at Chunar Station 4 platform (in Uttar Pradesh). Some passengers alighted on the wrong side and trespassed from the main line while the Foot Over Bridge is available.”
“Train No. 12311 (Netaji Express) was passing from the main line. As reported, 3-4 passengers were run over by Train No. 12311 (Netaji Express) at Chunar Main,” it added.
National and state disaster response forces were ordered to rush to the scene.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the relatives of the victims and directed officials to immediately reach the spot and speed up rescue operations. It also announces the ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the next of kin of each deceased.
Minister Gaud also said that the deceased passengers were coming for Ganga Snan by train and met with this accident. “My condolences to the bereaved families. May their souls rest in peace. Our condolences to the bereaved families.”
“If any negligence is found during the investigation, action will be taken against those responsible,” he added.
Union minister and local MP Anupriya Patel expressed her grief in a message on X.
“Deeply saddened by the heartbreaking incident that took place today at Chunar Railway Station in Mirzapur Parliamentary Constituency. District officials have been directed to reach the spot immediately, speed up rescue operations and ensure proper treatment of the injured,” she said.
“In this hour of grief, I express my sincere condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. May the Almighty grant peace to the departed souls,” the lawmaker added.
