A tragic accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district claimed the lives of five people after a passenger train hit a motorcycle at a railway crossing. The victims included a husband and wife, their two young children, and a close family member. The incident has once again raised concerns about safety at unmanned railway crossings and the dangers faced by people crossing tracks on two-wheelers.
The accident happened on Wednesday evening near Rauja railway station, which falls under the limits of Rauja police station. All five victims were travelling on a single motorcycle when the train struck them. They died on the spot due to the impact.
According to the police, the accident took place around 6.30 pm. A passenger train travelling from Lucknow was approaching the down line when the motorcycle entered the railway track. Before the riders could cross safely, the train hit the motorcycle, killing all five people instantly.
Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi confirmed the details of the incident. He said that all five persons were riding on the same motorcycle at the time of the mishap. The victims were identified as Sethpal, aged 40, his wife Pooja, aged 38, their two children aged four and six years, and Sethpal’s brother-in-law Hari Om, aged 45.
The family belonged to Vanka village in Lakhimpur district. Police officials said they were travelling back to their village when the accident occurred. According to initial information, Sethpal and Pooja had visited Hari Om at his residence in Nigohi village and were returning together when the tragedy took place.
Local residents rushed to the spot after hearing the sound of the collision, but there was nothing that could be done to save the victims. The impact of the train was so severe that all five died immediately. Police soon reached the site and secured the area to prevent further accidents.
SP Rajesh Dwivedi personally visited the accident site to supervise the situation. He oversaw the process of identifying the bodies and ensured that all necessary legal procedures were followed. The bodies were later sent for post-mortem examinations to the district hospital.
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After the accident, rail traffic and road movement in the area were briefly affected. However, the police confirmed that both rail and road services were restored after the bodies were removed and the site was cleared. Railway officials also reached the location to assess the situation and assist in restoring normal operations.
This tragic incident is not an isolated case. Accidents involving trains and vehicles at railway crossings are reported frequently across the country, especially in areas where crossings are unmanned or poorly monitored. Overloading of two-wheelers, lack of proper signals, and attempts to cross tracks quickly often lead to fatal outcomes.
Earlier in October, a similar incident was reported from Gautam Buddh Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh. A 19-year-old youth lost his life after being hit by a train at the Bodaki railway crossing in Dadri. The victim, identified as Tushar, was riding his motorcycle when the accident occurred.
According to the police, the teenager was trying to cross the railway tracks around noon. While doing so, his motorcycle slipped on the tracks. As he attempted to lift and remove the bike, a train approached and hit him before he could move to safety. He died on the spot due to the impact.
Dadri Police Station in-charge Arvind Kumar said the accident could have been avoided if basic safety precautions had been followed. He added that people should never attempt to cross railway tracks when a train is approaching, even if they believe they can cross quickly.
These repeated incidents underline the urgent need for better awareness and stricter safety measures at railway crossings. Experts say that many such accidents occur due to negligence, impatience, or lack of understanding of the risks involved. In rural and semi-urban areas, people often take shortcuts across tracks to save time, not realising the danger.
Authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to follow safety rules while crossing railway tracks. They advise people to stop, look both ways, and listen for approaching trains before attempting to cross. Overloading vehicles, especially motorcycles, increases the risk and reduces balance, making accidents more likely.
The Shahjahanpur accident has left the local community in shock. Neighbours and villagers from Vanka expressed deep sorrow over the loss of an entire family. Many called for improved safety arrangements, such as barriers, warning signals, and increased monitoring at railway crossings.
Police officials have said that they will continue to coordinate with railway authorities to ensure safety measures are strengthened wherever possible. However, they also stressed that public cooperation is equally important in preventing such tragic incidents.
As investigations continue and post-mortem reports are awaited, the incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe railway crossings. The loss of five lives, including two young children, has once again highlighted the need for caution, awareness, and responsible behaviour near railway tracks.
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