14 migrants run over by goods train in Maharashtra, PM condoles death

At least 14 migrant workers sleeping on rail tracks were mowed down by a goods train in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra on Friday (May 8) morning, police said.

Among the five survivors, two labourers were injured in the accident that occurred at 5.15 am, an official told PTI.

The Union Ministry of Railways in a statement said the loco pilot of the goods train tried to stop the vehicle, but in vain.

“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,” the ministry tweeted.

According to officials at Karmad police station, the workers who were walking to Bhusawal from Jalna in central Maharashtra along rail tracks, were returning to their home state Madhya Pradesh. They were sleeping on rail tracks due to exhaustion when they were run over by the goods train coming from Jalna, an official told PTI.

“The labourers, working in a steel factory in Jalna, left for their home state on foot last night. They came till Karmad and slept on tracks as they were tired,” police officer Santosh Khetmalas said.

Three workers of the five workers who survived the accident were sleeping some distance away from rail tracks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing anguish over the incident said he has spoken to railway minister Piyush Goyal in this regard and is closely monitoring the situation.

“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,” he tweeted.

(With inputs from agencies)