21 Killed as Paiggio auto passing through a manned railway crossing smashed in Bihar

Mangalore Today News Network

Patna, Aug 19, 2014:  At least 21 people, including seven children and five women of a family, were killed and a woman was injured as the Muzaffarpur-Dehradun Rapti Ganga Express train rammed into a Paiggio auto when it was passing through a manned railway crossing that had been left open between Semra and Sugauli railway stations near Motihari, 220km from Patna, around 4.30pm on August 18.

 

Eyewitnesses said it was a terrible tragic sight as the auto got stuck in the train engine. Human organs were scattered around the tracks in a stretch of at least 100 metres. The railways, however, confirmed the death of 15 people till the time of going to the press.

The deceased were identified as the members of the family of Chandra Kishore Pandey of Chiknauta village in East Champaran district. They had come to offer prayers to Vanshakti Sthan, a temple near Semra station, and had been returning home when the tragedy took place. Pandey also died in the mishap.

A strong mob of over 5,000 villagers had assembled at the site and were angrily looking for the gateman who was supposed to shut the crossing for the train to pass. The gateman as well as Semra station master were absconding.

The mob also cut the hose pipes of the train that came to a halt after the accident. Its loco pilot was pelted with stones. The situation was brought under control following arrival of the police. However, the movement of trains on the route could be restored only around 8pm.