2 Killed After Train Engine Strikes Two People in Faridabad

Two people were killed in Faridabad after a superfast train engine struck them while they were watching videos on their mobile phones with earphones in place. Eyewitnesses said the victims were standing near the track on the Old Faridabad side as the train approached from that direction toward Palwal. The incident occurred on a busy stretch of railway line that runs through the industrial and residential parts of Faridabad. The train, identified as a superfast service, entered the area at high speed, leaving little time for anyone to move away. The victims were reportedly unaware of the approaching engine because their attention was focused on the devices they held. Local residents and passers‑by described hearing a loud horn followed by a sudden impact. Some said they saw the two individuals standing still, heads bent toward their phones, when the engine roared past. The exact age and gender of the victims have not been released, but the tragedy has drawn attention to the dangers of using personal devices near active railway tracks. Railway authorities have repeatedly warned commuters and pedestrians to stay clear of the tracks, especially in areas where foot traffic is common. In recent years, several incidents involving people on or near the rails have been reported in Haryana, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety rules and greater public awareness campaigns. While the specific circumstances of this accident remain under investigation, the eyewitness account underscores how quickly a routine moment can turn fatal. The Old Faridabad to Palwal corridor is a heavily used route for both passengers and freight trains. Trains traveling at high speeds on such sections can cover large distances in seconds, making it difficult for anyone standing close to the rails to react. The presence of mobile phones and earphones adds another layer of risk, as they can block auditory cues that might otherwise alert a person to an approaching train. Police officials have visited the site to examine the scene and collect evidence. No official statement regarding the cause of the accident has been issued yet, but investigators will likely look at factors such as signal visibility, track maintenance, and the behavior of the individuals involved. The incident is expected to prompt a review of safety signage along this stretch, though no concrete plans have been announced. Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the broader challenges facing railway safety in densely populated regions. While the loss of two lives in Faridabad adds to a series of tragic events that have shaken the community. As investigations proceed, the focus will be on understanding how the accident unfolded and on implementing measures that prevent similar outcomes in the future. Residents are urged to heed safety advisories and to remain alert when near railway lines, especially when using devices that may limit their ability to hear approaching trains. Railway safety remains a persistent issue across Haryana, where increasing train frequencies and expanding track usage have coincided with occasional lapses in public awareness. Officials frequently cite the need for clearer signage, better lighting at crossings, and regular commuter education to mitigate risks. While the government has introduced periodic campaigns, the effectiveness of these measures can vary, and incidents like the one in Faridabad highlight the ongoing challenge of ensuring that all users of the railway corridor stay vigilant.

Source: Hindustan Times