Tragic Accident at Gaya Junction Claims Two Lives
A devastating incident unfolded at Gaya Junction on Monday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of two individuals who were attempting to board the moving Gaya–New Delhi Mahabodhi Express. The train was arriving at platform 6 from the washing pit line when the tragedy occurred, highlighting serious safety concerns at the busy railway station.
Victims Identified as Local Residents
The deceased have been identified as Saryu Prasad, a 66-year-old resident from the Dihri police station area in Jehanabad district, and Mohd Khalid Alam, a 27-year-old from Barachatti in Gaya district. Their untimely deaths have sent shockwaves through the local communities, with family members being promptly informed by authorities.
Rush to Secure Seats Leads to Fatal Slip
According to reports from the Gaya Government Railway Police (GRP), the accident was precipitated by a frantic rush among passengers waiting on the platform. In a bid to secure seats on the Mahabodhi Express, several individuals, including the victims, attempted to board the train while it was still in motion. This dangerous practice, common at crowded stations, proved fatal as both victims lost their balance.
They slipped through the perilous gap between the bogie and the platform, were struck by the moving train, and succumbed to their injuries on the spot. The GRP confirmed that the incident directly caused the train to depart approximately 30 minutes behind its scheduled time, disrupting travel plans for many passengers.
Official Statement from Railway Police
Shiv Kumar Yadav, the station house officer of Gaya GRP, provided a detailed account of the events. "The incident occurred due to the rush of passengers to grab a seat," he stated, emphasizing the need for heightened caution among travelers. He further noted that the bodies of the deceased were transported to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital for postmortem examinations, as per standard procedural protocols.
Broader Implications for Railway Safety
This tragic accident underscores ongoing issues related to passenger safety and crowd management at Indian railway stations, particularly during peak travel times. Authorities are urged to implement stricter measures to prevent such occurrences, including better signage, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced monitoring of platform activities. The loss of Saryu Prasad and Mohd Khalid Alam serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with hurried boarding attempts, calling for collective efforts to ensure safer travel environments for all.
