Pilgrims hit by Kalka-Howrah train while crossing track in Mirzapur, 6 dead; CM Yogi announces ex-gratia

A tragic accident took place on Wednesday morning at Chunar Railway Station in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, where six devotees lost their lives after being hit by the passing Kalka-Howrah Express. 

According to officials, the victims had arrived for the Kartik Purnima holy bath and had just gotten off the Chopan passenger train. Railway authorities and police rushed to the spot and launched rescue and relief operations immediately. 

How The Accident Happened?

Eyewitnesses and officials stated that the devotees were crossing the platform after alighting from the Gomoh-Chhapra passenger train when the Kalka Mail from Howrah approached at high speed, hitting them on the tracks and causing chaos at the station. Instead of using the footbridge, they reportedly attempted to cross the railway tracks from the wrong side when the speeding express train struck them, leading to the fatal incident.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives, ordered an investigation, and directed officials to ensure swift assistance to the families of the victims.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of each deceased of the Mirzapur train accident.

The tragedy comes just a day after another deadly rail accident in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, where a local passenger train rammed into a freight rake, resulting in 11 deaths and 20 injuries. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai announced compensation for the victims’ families and the injured.