Aurangabad: 16 migrants returning to Madhya Pradesh run over by goods train, inquiry ordered

The migrant labourers walking to reach their homes in Madhya Pradesh were run over by a goods train early in the morning in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad.

At least 16 migrant labourers returning to Madhya Pradesh amid the nationwide lockdown died after being run over by a goods train in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad on Friday.

While 15 deaths were initially reported, the death toll went up after an injured labourer succumbed to injuries. The incident occurred at around 5:30 am on the Aurangabad-Jalna railway line.

An official told news agency PTI that the labourers, who had been walking along the railway tracks fell asleep due to exhaustion. The official added that they were mowed down by the train early in the morning.

Police on the spot after 16 migrant labourers were mowed down by a train in Aurangabad.

“They had been walking along the rail tracks and slept there due to exhaustion. They were mowed down by a train,” the official told the news agency.

The Ministry of Railways has now put out a tweet and said that an inquiry has been ordered into the tragic incident.

“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. Injured have been taken to Aurangabad Civil Hospital. An inquiry has been ordered,” the ministry said.

The railways further clarified that the around 15 to 20 people were sleeping on the track when the incident occurred.

Aurangabad_ 16 migrants returning to Madhya Pradesh run over by goods train, inq

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Authorities added that the labourers run over were natives of Umarya and Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh and were working in SRG Company in Jalna.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter that he has spoken to Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and asked him to monitor the situation. Modi also ensured that all possible assistance required is being provided.