Train driver tried to stop but eventually hit migrants: Inquiry ordered in Aurangabad incident

HIGHLIGHTS

• The railways has said that an inquiry has been ordered in the incident
• It said the loco pilot of goods train tried to stop the train after spotting the workers on the track. But, the train did not stop and hit the workers
• The incident occurred at around 6:30 am on the Aurangabad-Jalna railway line

The railways have said an inquiry has been ordered in the incident of the tragic death of 15 migrant laborers after being run over by a goods train in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad on Friday.

It further said the loco pilot of goods train tried to stop the train after spotting the workers on the track. But, the train did not stop and hit the workers.

The railways tweeted, “During early hours today after seeing some laborers on track, loco pilot of goods train tried to stop the train but eventually hit them between Badnapur and Karma stations in Parbhani-Manmad section. Injured have been taken to Aurangabad Civil Hospital. An inquiry has been ordered.”

In a statement, the railways said, “It is learned that the people run over were natives of Umarya & Shahdol of Madhya Pradesh working in SRG Company, Jalna of Maharashtra State. As per survivors, they left Jalna at 19.00 hrs on 07.05.2020 by walk initially on-road (up to Badnapore) and later onto the track towards Aurangabad. After walking for about 36 KMs, they became tired and sat on the track to take some rest and gradually slept.”

The incident occurred at around 6:30 am on the Aurangabad-Jalna railway line.

An official told news agency PTI that the laborers, who had been walking along the railway tracks fell asleep due to exhaustion. The official added that they were mowed down by the train early in the morning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter that he has spoken to Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and asked him to monitor the situation. Modi ensured that all possible assistance required is being provided.

The development comes at a time when stranded migrant laborers across the country are returning to their home states amid the nationwide lockdown.

Some of these migrant laborers were forced to walk long distances to their home states as they were unable to find transport.