In a harrowing incident at Surat railway station in Gujarat, chaos erupted as passengers crowded to board the Bihar-bound Tapti Ganga Express for the upcoming Chhath festival, leading to the untimely death of a 40-year-old man and hospitalization of two others. The rush caused panic, with some passengers experiencing fainting spells and dizziness.
Superintendent of Police (Western Railway) Sarjo Kumari reported that the large influx of passengers resulted in panic attacks and a dizzying situation at the railway station. A 40-year-old man, identified as Ankit Virendra Singh, lost his life in the chaos, while two others were rushed to the hospital after suffering from breathlessness and other complications.
Authorities disclosed that one passenger experienced a heart complication, prompting a quick response from a policeman who performed CPR before the individual was transported to the hospital in an ambulance.
The incident sheds light on the challenges faced by travelers during the festive season, particularly those commuting for Chhath puja. Many workers from the diamond and textile industries in Surat travel to their hometowns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh for this significant festival.
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, speaking in Navsari, acknowledged the efforts of the police in controlling the sudden surge of passengers at the platform. The Western Railway, in a statement, outlined special measures taken during the festive season, including the operation of special trains and the deployment of security personnel for crowd management.
As the Western Railway runs 400 trips of 46 pairs of special trains to various destinations, with 27 pairs originating or passing through Surat and Udhna railway stations, the incident underscores the need for robust crowd control measures during the heightened festive rush.
Sources By Agencies