UP railway station tragedy: Devotees took shortcut to cross tracks instead of using foot-overbridge; how the incident unfolded

LUCKNOW: A deadly accident unfolded at Mirzapur’s Chunar railway station on Wednesday morning when several devotees were run over by the Kalka Mail Express while attempting to cross the railway tracks, leaving six dead.

The incident occurred around 9:30 am.How the incident unfoldedInstead of using the foot overbridge to move toward Platform No. 3, a group of passengers tried to cross the tracks as a shortcut.At that time, the Kalka-bound Netaji Express (Train No. 12311), running at full speed and without a scheduled stop at Chunar, passed through and struck them.Eyewitnesses said the devotees had arrived by a passenger train from Chopan, which halted at Platform No.

4. As they began crossing the tracks to reach Platform No. 3, the Kalka Express—running at full speed and without a scheduled stop at Chunar—passed through. Before the pilgrims could move away, they were struck by the train, leading to a horrific scene. Several bodies were mutilated due to the impact.The impact was devastating—eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as several bodies were mutilated.At least six devotees were killed, and several others were critically injured in the tragedy.

According to railway officials, the victims were pilgrims on their way to Varanasi to take part in Kartik Purnima rituals.What we know so farEyewitness accounts: Pilgrims arriving from Chopan disembarked at Platform 4 and attempted to cross the tracks instead of using the foot overbridge, leading to the accident.Train involved: The Kalka-bound Netaji Express (Train No. 12311) struck the devotees while passing through Chunar Junction at full speed.Casualties: Six people were confirmed dead; several others suffered critical injuries. Officials are still identifying the victims.Immediate response: Railway officials, along with local police, rushed to the spot. Injured persons were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.CM’s reaction: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep condolences and directed senior officers to reach the site immediately.Relief and rescue operations: CM Yogi instructed SDRF and NDRF teams to assist in rescue operations and ensure prompt medical care for the injured.Train operations unaffected: Despite the accident, train services at Chunar Junction continued as additional GRP and RPF personnel were deployed to the site.Post-mortem procedures: The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination. Authorities are taking further measures to identify victims.Cause of the accident: The tragedy occurred as some passengers opted to trespass across railway tracks instead of using the foot overbridge.Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia: UP CM Yogi Adityanath also announced an ex gratia of RS 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who died in the Mirzapur train accident.