Four people were killed after being run over by an incoming passenger train at Chunar station in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district on Wednesday.
According to reports, the tragedy took place around 9.15am when several passengers of the Gomo–Prayagraj Chopan Express chose to alight on the wrong side of the platform after the train halted at the station.
The passengers attempted to cross the track, despite the availability of a footover bridge, and were hit by the incoming Netaji Express train.
Most of the victims are pilgrims who had come to the city for Kartik Purnima Snan at the Ganga Ghat.
"These passengers had come to Mirzapur for Kartik Purnima Snan (bath). Despite the availability of a footover bridge, they were crossing the platform from the tracks due to which the incident happened," the Railways said in a statement.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure that relief and rescue operations are carried out swiftly.
State minister Sanjeev Kumar Gaud said five of the deceased belonged to Mirzapur, while one victim hailed from Sonbhadra.
"They were coming for Ganga Snan on a train and met with this accident. I express my sympathies to the bereaved families. May their soul rest in peace. We express our condolences to the bereaved families. We will provide them with compensation," he said.