Odisha: Six workers sheltering under goods train run over by it

BHUBANESWAR/KENDRAPADA : The East Coast Railway said the sudden movement of the goods train that killed six labourers on Wednesday was possibly caused due to a storm. The workers had taken shelter under the train against a thunderstorm.
Also See: Odisha Train Accident Live
East Coast Railway spokesperson Biswajit Sahu said the “monsoon reserve rake” bearing material meant for emergency repairs during the rainy season had been stationary for three months. He said the movement of the wagons “for a short distance” was possibly caused by the storm. “Enough precautions are taken for stationary rakes not to move; so what triggered its movement during the storm will be investigated. ” “I was in a tea stall near the station when it started raining heavily. We were all waiting for the thunderstorm to pass when the wagons creaked to life, inexplicably moving down the track. Some fellow workers who were crouched under the train were instantly killed and a few others were injured,” said 35-year-old Nalinikanta Behera.
Two of the wounded were referred to Cuttack’s SCB Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased from the CM’s Relief Fund.