Express train runs over people in India's Jamtara, at least two dead

A train ran over two persons at Kalajharia railway station on Wednesday (Feb 28) in Jamtara, a city in the Indian state of Jharkhand.

Initial reports claimed that at least 12 lost their lives, but later India-based newsagency PTI said the toll stood at two.

The deputy commissioner said that medical teams and ambulances were rushed to the spot.

Jamtara Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Mujibur Rahman told PTI that the accident took place near Kaljharia around 140 km from Jharkhand's capital Ranchi.

"Bodies of two persons have been recovered so far. The search operation is on," he said.

The railway officials saidthatthe incident occurred at 7:00 pm (IST) and only two persons were killed.

"Train no 12254 (Anga Express) passing between Vidyasagar-Kasitar stopped due to ACP (alarm chain pulling) at 7 pm at Asansol division of ER (Eastern Railway). At 7.07 pm, two persons who were walking on the track were run over on the up line by MEMU train, at least two kilometres away where the train stopped", the Eastern Railway said in a press statement.

A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the issue, it stated.

Kausik Mitra, CPRO, Eastern Railway said, "The deceased are not passengers, they are walking on the track... A 3-member JAG committee has been formed to enquire about the issue. Reports of 12 passengers getting killed are not true."

(With inputs from agencies)