UP News / Tragic Train Accident in Mirzapur: Kalka Express Hits Devotees Heading for Kartik Purnima Bath, 8 Feared Dead

A heartbreaking incident unfolded at Chunar Railway Station in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday morning around 9:30 AM, leaving the entire region in shock. Approximately 7-8 devotees, who were en route to the Ganga Ghat for the sacred Kartik Purnima bath, were tragically struck by the Kalka Express train. This horrific accident resulted in multiple fatalities on the spot, with several others sustaining severe injuries. The station premises were plunged into chaos immediately after the incident, with cries of distress echoing all around. The tragic event transpired when a passenger train, arriving from Chopan, pulled into Platform No. 4. Devotees disembarking from this train, likely in a hurry, began crossing the tracks to reach the Chunar Ganga Ghat. As they stepped onto the tracks near Platform No. 3, the Kalka Express train, which had no scheduled stop at Chunar Station, sped through at full velocity, while the devotees had no time to react or escape before they were caught in the train's path. The impact was so severe that bodies were dismembered, creating a gruesome scene at the accident site.

Pilgrimage Turned Tragedy

The deceased and injured devotees were on their way to perform the holy Kartik Purnima bath at Varanasi or Chunar Ganga Ghat. Kartik Purnima is considered an extremely auspicious occasion in Hinduism, attracting millions of devotees to take a dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga. These pilgrims had embarked on their journey with faith and. Devotion, unaware that their sacred pilgrimage would tragically become their last. The incident has left the affected families in profound grief, shattering their hopes for the safe return of their loved ones.

Immediate Aftermath and Emergency Response

Upon receiving news of the accident, Chunar Railway Station was engulfed in pandemonium. Local residents and railway staff immediately rushed to the scene. Senior railway officials and local police forces also arrived swiftly, while the injured were promptly admitted to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. Rescue teams commenced relief and rescue operations, with ambulances and other emergency services called in to provide immediate medical aid to the injured. The police cordoned off the area and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Grim Task of Recovery and Identification

The severity of the accident was evident from the dismembered bodies, making the task of collecting and identifying the remains a significant challenge for the police, while law enforcement personnel are carrying out this difficult and sensitive task with utmost care. All bodies are being sent for post-mortem examination to establish their identities and complete legal formalities. This process is expected to be time-consuming and emotionally taxing, particularly for families desperately searching for their loved ones.

Unanswered Questions on Railway Safety

This tragic incident raises serious questions about railway safety protocols. The passage of a non-stopping express train through a busy station where passengers were crossing tracks is a matter of grave concern. Was there an insufficient use of foot overbridges or other safe crossing facilities at the station, or were there lapses in safety measures? Railway authorities have not yet confirmed the official death toll, stating that precise figures will be released only after the investigation is complete. Learning from this incident, the railway must review its safety systems to prevent such accidents in the future.

Community in Shock and Mourning

The tragedy has cast a pall of deep sorrow and fear over Mirzapur and its surrounding areas. There is widespread concern among the populace that such incidents shouldn't recur. The families of the deceased are grappling with immense grief, and local administration is extending its condolences. This incident once again highlights the severe consequences of carelessness while crossing railway tracks. It's imperative to educate people about the importance of always using safe crossings and adhering to railway regulations to prevent such heartbreaking events in the future.