Chennai: At least five dead after falling off crowded train
What's the story
At least five commuters traveling on the footboard of a Chennai local died as they hit a 'hard surface' when the train entered the St Thomas Mount station.
Details weren't available immediately. Officials said they could have hit a pole or a concrete fence.
Five others were injured.
Footage from the spot showed a jam-packed platform and train, with people hanging precariously on footboards.
Details
Four died on the spot, one on way to hospital
The incident occurred at 8:45am when the Tirumalpur-bound train was heading towards Platform 3.
Some people hit the hard surface and fell, and many others fell on them.
Four died on the spot. Another succumbed on their way to the hospital.
A few others are critical and are undergoing treatment. They have been admitted to Royepattah General Hospital and Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital.
About
Thousands use the ever-packed St. Thomas station everyday
According to The Hindu, the train was overcrowded as it was running late by 15 minutes.
Due to a signal failure at Mambalam, it was traveling on the express lane.
The St.Thomas Mount station lies on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu section and is near important businesses and industries, thereby attracting high footfall everyday.
Regular commuters said the concrete fence has caused many problems earlier too.
Action
Two passengers lost their legs in today's accident
Government sources told TNIE that railway police have identified three of the deceased as Sivakumari, Bharathi and Shankar. The other two are yet to be identified.
Two passengers lost their legs in the incident.
Afterwards, train operations were halted for half an hour. A few passengers staged a protest demanding safety in trains.
Railway officials and railway police force have launched an enquiry.