Morena Train Tragedy: The North Central Railway (NCR) has formed a high-level inquiry committee after four passengers were killed in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district when they were struck by a passing train.  The incident occurred at around 4:15 PM when train number 19665 Khajuraho-Udaipur Intercity Express came to a halt in the Hetampur (HET)-Dholpur (DHO) section of  Jhansi Division.

According to railway officials, the train was stopped after an Alarm Chain Pulling (ACP) was initiated by a passenger travelling in the general coach, the second coach from the locomotive.

Speaking to Indianexpress.com, Shashi Kant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of NCR said that four casualties reported. The CPRO also dismissed speculation about a fire, stating that nothing of that sort had happened.

According to Tripathi,  a committee comprising JAG-level officers has been constituted to probe the incident. “The reason for the Alarm chain pulling cannot be ascertained yet. Enquiry committee of JAG officers has been formed to enquire the case thoroughly,” he stated.

In a statement, NCR said that, according to preliminary information, some passengers got down from the train and moved onto a nearby railway track while the train was halted.

“During this time, Train No. 20424 Firozpur–Seoni Patalkot Express, approaching on the Up line, reportedly struck some of these passengers, resulting in casualties,” it said.

The zonal railway further stated that, upon receiving information about the incident, senior officials from the railway, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and the local administration immediately rushed to the spot. It added that all necessary assistance is being provided to the affected passengers.

It further urged passengers to refrain from getting off trains without permission, whether moving or stationary and to follow all prescribed railway safety norms.