Rajyarani Express runs over killing 35 Pilgrims in Khagaria Bihar

At Least 35 Pilgrims were killed when Saharsa Patna Rajya Rani Express ran over them near Dhamra Halt in Khagaria district of Bihar. About 50 Pilgrims are expected to have been injured in the accident.

The victims, mostly kanwarias (devotees of Lord Shiva) had got down from another train and were walking on the tracks when the mishap took place, official sources said. They were in a hurry to get down from a passenger train to rush to the nearby Katyani temple.

“But unfortunately at the same time Rajyarani Express entered the station,” said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.

Soon after the incident, locals gathered at the spot and attacked the driver of the train, leaving him seriously injured, railway sources said.

People blamed the local railway authorities for the accident and set fire to Rajyarani Express and two other trains besides taking hostage five to six other Rail officials.

The engine of the Samastipur-Saharsa passenger train and an AC coach of Saharsa-Patna Rajyarani Express were set ablaze by angry locals gathered at the station under Samastipur division of East-Central Railway (ECR).

They have also attacked the Dhamra Halt Railway station, forcing  railway officials to flee from the place. A police team that arrived at the spot was chased away by the protesting crowds, sources said.

Chairman Railway Board Arunendra Kumar said the train was attacked and the driver was hurt.  He said it was a case of “trespassing” as the devotees were illegally trying to cross the tracks.   However, he refused to confirm any casualties. The agitation at the station has created obstacles in the way of carrying out rescue operations.

According to Railway Officials, it would be difficult for the railway and district authorities to carry out rescue work, unless the protesters vacate the site of the accident.