35-year-old railway employee crushed during shunting operation; miscommunication and safety lapses under scrutiny
A heart-wrenching accident at Barauni Junction in Bihar’s Begusarai district claimed the life of a 35-year-old railway worker during a routine shunting operation. Amar Kumar Raut, a dedicated railway employee, was tragically crushed while attempting to decouple the engine of the Lucknow-Barauni Express (Train No: 15204). The accident has sparked outrage and raised concerns over safety protocols for railway staff.
The incident unfolded during routine shunting when Amar was in the process of decoupling the engine from a coach at platform 5. As per initial reports, a sudden and unexpected engine reversal by the train’s driver resulted in Amar being trapped between the engine and a coach, leading to fatal injuries. Horrified passengers who witnessed the tragic scene immediately alerted the train crew, but by the time the engine was brought to a halt, it was too late to save Amar.
The situation was further complicated when the driver, upon realising the severity of the incident, reportedly fled the scene, leaving bystanders in shock. Disturbing footage circulating online shows Amar trapped on the platform, which has intensified public outrage over the perceived negligence.
Officials from the Sonpur Railway Division have since launched an inquiry into the incident. A preliminary investigation has suggested that the accident was caused by a fatal miscommunication between Amar and his colleague, Mohd Suleman, who was assisting him. It appears that a wrong signal was inadvertently relayed to the driver, causing the engine to move in reverse at a critical moment.
Embed from Getty Images“We are conducting a thorough investigation to understand the sequence of events and identify where the communication breakdown occurred,” a senior railway official stated. The inquiry will also examine whether proper safety measures and protocols were being followed during the operation.
In response to the tragedy, railway authorities announced an immediate funeral allowance for Amar’s family, with further compensation to be determined based on his service records. Amar leaves behind a grieving family who depended on him as the primary breadwinner.
The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety of railway workers, especially those involved in dangerous shunting operations. Many have questioned whether proper safety protocols and communication systems are in place to prevent such accidents. The incident highlights the need for better training and clearer communication channels among railway staff to prevent future tragedies.
Railway unions and worker rights activists are calling for an urgent review of workplace safety standards within the Indian Railways. “This tragic incident is a grim reminder of the risks faced by railway workers daily,” said a representative from a railway union. “It is crucial that authorities take immediate action to address the gaps in safety protocols to ensure such accidents do not occur again.”
As the investigation continues, the railway community mourns the loss of a diligent worker, and questions loom over the efficacy of current safety measures in place for frontline staff. For Amar’s family and colleagues, the tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers that come with maintaining India’s vast railway network, often with limited resources and support.
