28 dead as train hits pilgrims in Bihar

PATNA: A speeding train in Bihar crushed 28 persons to death laving 6 others injured at the Dhamara Ghat railway station in north Bihar’s Khagaria district on Monday. According to the DM of Khagaria and railway officials , 28 persons died in the mishap although unconfirmed reports said the toll could be 37.

The victims , mostly Kanwarias ( devotees of Lord Shiva ) were standing on the track when the Patna bound Rajyarani express ran over them at the Dhamara Ghat station falling under the Samastipur division of East Central Railway .

The infuriated mob set ablaze the bogies of the train and one more standing train critically injuring the driver and assistant driver . The government officials who rushed to the spot for rescue operations were even chased away by the angry mob .

The victims were caught unawares thinking the train would stop at the station but that was not to be and soon they were trapped under the wheels of the speeding train. The station with just one platform was overflowing with devotees who had come to offer prayers in the Katyani temple located not far away from the station.