14 Migrant Workers Run Over By Train in Aurangabad; Probe Ordered

Video Producer: Shohini Bose
Video Editor: Varun Sharma/Vivek Gupta

A freight train ran over 14 migrant labourers in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district on Friday, 8 May. Five others have also been injured in the incident and have been shifted to the Aurangabad Civil Hospital, ANI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter saying he was “extremely anguished by the loss of lives” and has spoken to Railways Minister Piyush Goyal regarding the situation. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased, reported ANI.

Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Have spoken to Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and he is closely monitoring the situation. All possible assistance required is being provided.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 8, 2020

According to reports, the deceased labourers slept on the rail tracks. An official at the Karmad police station told PTI that the workers, who were walking to Bhusawal from Jalna, were returning to Madhya Pradesh.

The incident took place around 5:15 am between Jalna and Aurangabad of Nanded Division of South Central Railway.

The Railways Ministry tweeted saying that an inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

During early hours today after seeing some labourers on track, loco pilot of goods train tried to stop the train but eventually hit them between Badnapur and Karmad stations in Parbhani-Manmad section
Injureds have been taken to Aurangabad Civil Hospital.
Inquiry has been ordered

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) May 8, 2020

‘Decided to Lie Down on Tracks to Rest, But They Dozed Off’

Regarding the incident, Aurangabad SP Mokshada Patil said, "We are questioning four people who were at a slight distance. They are in shock. We are talking to them and trying to verify information about where they are from and how did they leave. The process is underway."

"One person who survived told us that these people had left from Jalna. We are verifying that. He told us that they wanted to go to Bhusawal and catch a train from there. They were walking and decided to lie (down) on the railway tracks to rest for some time, but they dozed off. That’s how the incident took place," Patil added.

"An accident happened near Karmad, Aurangabad, when an empty rake of goods wagon ran over some people. RPF and local police are reaching spot to assess the situation," the chief public relations officer (CPRO) of the South Central Railway was quoted by ANI as saying earlier.