How Did Engineless Rakes Roll Killing 6 Labourers In Odisha? Khurda DRM Begins Probe

Bhubaneswar: Investigation has begun into the death of six labourers, who were crushed to death after a stationary goods train accidentally rolled on them at Jaipur-Keonjhar Road station in Odisha on Wednesday evening.

A railway team headed by Khurda DRM has initiated the probe on how an engine-less train rolled down the tracks and inspected the wagons involved in the mishap on Thursday morning. The safety team is likely to tour the spot later in the day.

“There are hand-brakes in the wagons to keep them stationary on the tracks. It seems someone might have unlocked them, leading to the mishap,” Khhurda DRM Rinkesh Roy told the media on Wednesday.

The tragic incident occurred when a group of labourers took shelter beneath the rakes during a sudden rain and thunderstorm. While four labourers were killed on the spot, two others succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Two others are undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

The incident came five days after the horrific triple train accident in Odisha’s Balasore district in which 288 people were killed and over 1,000 others injured.

Expressing deep sorrow over the death of the labourers, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each family of the victims. He has also issued direction for immediate treatment of the injured persons.