High-level inquiry ordered into railway incident claiming 16 lives

 

New Delhi: A high-level inquiry headed by Commissioner of Railway Safety (South Central Circle) has been ordered to investigate the tragic incident in which 16 persons were run over by a goods train in Aurangabad district in Maharashtra on Friday. The Railway Minister Piyush Goyal is monitoring the situation and is being briefed on the steps taken in this regard.

According to press statement of the Railway ministry, in an unfortunate incident that occurred in the wee hours on Friday around 05.22 hrs, a group of persons who were sleeping on railway tracks, were hit by a goods train proceeding towards Manmad. The incident occurred between Badnapur and Karmad stations on the Parbhani – Manmad section of Nanded Division.

Out of the group comprising of about 19 persons, 14 died on the spot and two persons succumbed to the injuries subsequently. One person with minor injuries is being treated at the Aurangabad Civil Hospital. The incident occurred, even as the Loco Pilot of the Goods Train honked the horn as soon as he noticed the group of people infringing the rail tracks and also made all possible efforts to stop the train.

Immediately on receipt of information, Senior Officials of Railway Protection Force (RPF), the Security wing of the Railways rushed to the spot along with Officers from other departments. The Divisional Railway Manager, Nanded Division Upinder Singh also reached the site to personally monitor relief operations. A Medical Relief Van (MRV) comprising of a team of Doctors, Nurses and other para-medical staff along with medicines and medical equipment also rushed to the spot to undertake medical relief measures. Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, SCR held a meeting with Principal Heads of Departments, immediately on receipt of information about the incident and directed that the relief and rescue operations be taken up at the fastest.