Chain-pulling tragedy in Morena: Four killed after passengers step onto tracks, hit by Patalkot Express

A tragic railway accident claimed the lives of four people, including three women and one childnear Morena in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday after passengers got down from a train that had stopped following a chain-pulling incident and were subsequently struck by the passing Patalkot Expressrailway officials said.

How the accident unfolded

According to Anirudh Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jhansi Railway Division the Khajuraho–Udaipur Intercity Express had come to a halt after the emergency chain was pulled. Following the unscheduled stop, several passengers, including women and children, reportedly stepped down from the train and moved onto or near the railway tracks.

At the same time, the Patalkot Expresstravelling from the Agra side, was approaching on an adjacent railway line.

Curve on track may have reduced visibility

Explaining the circumstances of the accident, DRM Anirudh Kumar said the adjacent track had a curve, which may have limited visibility for people standing on or near the tracks.

He stated that those who had disembarked from the halted train might not have noticed the approaching Patalkot Express because of the track alignment.

Railway authorities said the locomotive pilot attempted to apply emergency brakes after spotting people on the tracks. However, the train was travelling at considerable speed and could not be brought to a halt in time.

Four deaths confirmed

Officials confirmed that three women and one child died in the accident.

Authorities are in the process of verifying the identities of the deceased and informing their family members. No official information regarding additional injuries had been released at the time of reporting.

Investigation underway

Railway officials have begun an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the chain-pulling and the subsequent accident.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with passengers getting off trains on active railway tracks, particularly on sections where visibility is restricted and trains continue to operate on adjacent lines.

Further details are expected after railway authorities complete their preliminary investigation and submit an official report.