Tragedy struck at Safiganj locality, about 150 kms south-east of Patna, when at least five people were killed as a Howrah-Gaya Express train rammed into a Bolero at an unmanned railway crossing on Tuesday morning. Apart from the deceased, seven others sustained serious injuries.
The Bolero was dragged for nearly 400 metres along the tracks after getting entangled with the engine of the Gaya-bound train, reports Hindustan Times.
Some eyewitnesses said that the driver (also killed in the mishap) did not notice the oncoming train which led to the accident. However, the grieving family members of the deceased accused the Bolero driver of speeding and negligence while crossing the railway line.
Local villagers laid siege at the site demanding compensation to the next of those killed, and the installation of a level-crossing gate, as movement of many trains was suspended following the accident.
The Bolero jeep carrying members of a 'marriage-party' from Safiaganj village tried to cross the unmanned railway crossing at around 8:55 am when the ill-fated incident took place between the Warsaliganj-Nawada rail sections falling under Danapur division.
Twelve persons of Pakribarawan locality on board the jeep were all thrown off by the impact, officials who visited the spot said. Many of the injured have been admitted in a critical condition to Nawada Sadar hospital.
