In a heartbreaking incident at Barauni Junction in Bihar’s Begusarai district, Amar Kumar Raut, a 35-year-old railway employee, lost his life during a shunting operation. The tragedy occurred on Saturday as Amar was performing a routine decoupling of the engine from the Lucknow-Barauni Express (Train No: 15204) following its arrival at the station. While Amar was in the process of decoupling, the train driver unexpectedly reversed the engine, trapping Amar between the engine and a coach. The sudden movement led to severe injuries, causing Amar's death on the spot.
Passengers who witnessed the accident were quick to alert authorities. However, by the time help arrived, the driver had already fled the scene, leaving behind a distressing situation. A video from the incident captured the tragic moment, showing Amar helplessly trapped between the engine and the power car while the train stood on platform no. 5.
Senior officials from the Sonpur Railway Division, notified immediately about the incident, quickly arrived at Barauni Junction to take stock of the situation and order a formal investigation. "This is a very unfortunate incident that should never occur in the workplace," remarked the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Sonpur. In response to the tragedy, the DRM ordered a high-level inquiry to examine the incident thoroughly. The DRM also assured the family of the deceased that they would receive due compensation, adding, "We have released the funeral allowance to the victim’s family, and compensation will be paid under the service rules."
The inquiry aims to determine the sequence of events leading to the accident, assess potential lapses in safety procedures, and identify areas for improvement to prevent similar accidents in the future. As part of the immediate response, officials called an emergency meeting at Barauni Junction with all departments involved in train operations. During this meeting, they emphasized the necessity of stringent safety protocols during decoupling, shunting, and other high-risk activities. Additionally, the DRM indicated that once the inquiry was completed, strict action would be taken against the individuals found responsible for any lapses, and further corrective measures would be implemented.
Amar Kumar Raut’s untimely death has sparked a somber reflection within the railway workforce, as employees are now expressing concerns over the safety protocols currently in place. The incident has also raised broader questions regarding the enforcement of safety measures during shunting operations, which are typically high-risk activities due to their proximity to moving engines and other equipment. Calls for more robust safety training, regular reviews of operational protocols, and closer monitoring of shunting procedures have grown louder, with workers emphasizing the need for heightened protection measures to ensure no further lives are lost in the line of duty.
The tragic loss of Amar has resonated deeply with railway staff and locals alike, who are now urging authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of railway employees. His death is a somber reminder of the risks faced daily by those working in railway operations, and it underscores the importance of rigorous safety compliance to safeguard the lives of workers in high-stakes environments like train yards and stations.
