Jamtara Train Accident: 2 Lives Lost, Dozens Injured In Jharkhand

At least 2 individuals have tragically lost their lives as a train collided with pedestrians attempting to flee what was believed to be a fire onboard an express train at Kalajharia railway station in Jharkhand’s Jamtara. The Eastern Railways has initiated a three-member investigation team to examine the incident.

Passengers aboard the Anga Express from Bhagalpur to Bengaluru disembarked amid rumors of a fire, causing panic. While attempting to cross the tracks to escape the perceived danger, they were struck by another train on the same route.

However, the Eastern Railway has refuted claims that the victims were passengers and clarified that they were pedestrians on the tracks when the accident occurred. Additionally, they have dismissed reports of any fire onboard.

Passengers jumped off the Bhagalpur-bound Anga Express in response to reports of a fire, but upon landing on the tracks, they were hit by the Jhajha-Asansol train.

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“A train ran over the passengers at Kala Jharia railway station in Jamtara. Some deaths reported, exact number to be confirmed. Medical teams and ambulances on scene,” stated the Jamtara Deputy Commissioner, as per ANI.

#WATCH | Jharkhand: Rescue operations are underway at Kalajharia railway station in Jamtara after a train ran over several passengers. https://t.co/kVDqS0PetF pic.twitter.com/ItEVsMhzAJ

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2024

Anant Kumar on the incident

Jamtara SDM Anant Kumar stated that the individuals who were hit by the train were indeed passengers who had disembarked from one train and were subsequently struck by another local train. “Efforts are underway to establish a helpline to provide families with updates and information,” he added.

#WATCH | Jamtara, Jharkhand: On Jamtara train accident, Jamtara SDM Anant Kumar says, "Near the Kalajharia railway crossing, the train stopped and some passengers got off and were run over by another local train. Information was received that some people have died. RPF and the… pic.twitter.com/h7moXjB2pW

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2024

Champai Soren on the incident

Chief Minister Champai Soren extended his condolences to the victims’ families and said: “My heart is saddened by the sad news of a train accident near Kaljharia station of Jamtara. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this difficult time of grief. The administration is engaged in relief and rescue work on the spot. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident.”

Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta’s office released a statement and said: “A train ran over passengers at the Kalajharia railway station in Jamtara. There is information about the death of some people. After receiving this information, Health and Disaster Management Minister Banna Gupta instructed the Jamtara Deputy Commissioner to continue the relief and rescue work. He also directed the Civil Surgeon Jamtara for proper treatment of the injured and asked to strengthen the system in hospitals.”