Home ›› 08 May 2020 ›› World Biz
Amid nationwide lockdown, at least 16 migrant labourers died after being run over by a goods train in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad this morning (Friday). Officials added that one individual has sustained injuries.
An official said, the incident occurred at around 5.30 am local time on the Aurangabad-Jalna railway line, as the group fell asleep due to exhaustion, after walking along the railway tracks to return to Madhya Pradesh.
The Ministry of Railways of India clarified that the around 15 to 20 people were sleeping on the track when the incident occurred.
Authorities added that the labourers run over were natives of Umarya and Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh and were working in SRG Company in Jalna.
The railways 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.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted "all possible assistance" is being provided.
"Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Have spoken to Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and he is closely monitoring the situation. All possible assistance required is being provided" PM Modi tweeted.
The development comes at a time when stranded migrant labourers across the country are returning to their home states on foot amid the nationwide lockdown as they were unable to find transport.
(Source: India Today)
