MIRZAPUR, Nov. 5 — Four passengers died Wednesday when an incoming train hit them at Chunar Railway Station after they alighted from the wrong side of the train, railway officials said. The victims were visiting the area to take a holy bath as part of Kartik Purnima celebrations.
“The passengers got off the Chopan Express onto the track and were struck by the Netaji Express approaching the station,” said Amit Singh, public relations officer of NCR Prayagraj Division. The Chopan Express had been halted at platform four, and the station has a foot overbridge, officials added.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered condolences to the families of the deceased and ordered authorities to reach the site without delay. He also instructed that relief and rescue operations be expedited. National and state disaster response forces were mobilized to assist.
Railway officials noted that stepping down onto tracks is strictly prohibited, especially at busy stations. “Despite the facilities available, passengers sometimes risk their lives by crossing tracks, particularly during festivals,” the officer said. Investigations are underway to determine why the pilgrims chose to leave the train in this manner.
