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Two people died and at least 12 people, including two women, were injured in a stampede on a foot overbridge at Santragachi railway station in West Bengal on Tuesday, 23 October, a South Eastern Railway spokesman said.
The incident occurred when an express train and two EMU locals arrived at the station at the same time at around 6.30 pm and passengers rushed to the platforms to board the trains, he said.
Speaking to news agency ANI, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed that 12 people have been admitted in hospital, out of whom 2 are critical and one is in the ICU.
“Others are being shifted to SSKM hospital. They are stable. We have made all arrangements,” she said.
Railways is the main lifeline of nation. The lifeline of the nation should not be derailed. Railways must take proper care of passengers. I can’t blame railways. Let them investigate. If there is a rush, they must clear the rush.Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister, West Bengal
The Nagercoil-Shalimar Express and two EMU locals arrived at the station at the same time, while Shalimar-Vishakhapatnam Express and Santragachi-Chennai Express were scheduled to arrive shortly, SER spokesman Sanjay Ghosh said.
The incident occurred between platform numbers two and three at Santragachi station of South Eastern Railway, about 10 km from Howrah station, he said.
Union Minister for Railways Piyush Goyal has announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives due to the mishap.
In addition to the compensation, the Railway ministry has constituted a high-level enquiry committee comprising three senior railway officers of the rank of Additional Secretary to Government of India, to look into the matter, ANI reported.
The South Eastern Railways also released a helpline number.
A large number of passengers either deboarded or were waiting to board trains at the same time, leading to a rush on the foot overbridge.
While 11 injured persons were taken to Howrah General Hospital for treatment, three others were administered first aid at the station, he said.
Several express trains stop at the station, apart from numerous EMU locals of SER.
Thousands of people use the station everyday since it is easier to travel to and from south and central Kolkata from Santragachi.
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)
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