Click to play videoNew Delhi: At least 16 kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) were reportedly crushed to death under a train near the Saryu Ghat Railway Station in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday night.
The incident occurred on the Lucknow-Gorakhpur route when the kanwariyas traveling on the Lucknow-Gonda passenger train got down from the train for a holy dip in Saryu river and to fetch water from the river for offerings at a temple at Karnelganj.
According to Northern Railway Divisional Magistrate Ashima Singh, when the kanwariyas were crossing the track, the speeding Gorakhpur-bound Intercity Express crushed them to death.
Violence and arson followed and a group of devotees set on fire one of the cabins of the railway station, some kiosks and a fire tender.
While the official death toll stands at eight, eyewitnesses say at least 16 kanwariyas were killed. Several kanwariyas also jumped into the river to avoid the train, Superintendent of Police N K Srivastava was quoted as saying by PTI.
Rescue and relief teams were immediately pressed into action but the operation was troublesome due to darkness, said Srivastava
Authorities also requisitioned CRPF and PAC personnel from the district headquarters and movement of trains on the section came to a halt following the incident.
(With inputs from PTI)
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