A tragic accident took place in the early hours of Friday when a speeding Vande Bharat Express, running from Jogbani in Araria district towards Patliputra station, struck a group of people near Purnea junction. According to officials, five individuals were hit, leading to the deaths of four, while another sustained serious injuries. Three of the victims died instantly at the scene, and one succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Purnea. The lone survivor is currently receiving treatment at the same facility.

The incident occurred around 5 a.m. between Kasba and Purnea junction, an area that falls under the North Frontier Railways (NF Railways). Reports indicate that the victims were returning from the Durga Puja fair at Kasba when the accident took place. All of the deceased were identified as labourers employed at a makhana processing unit in Purnea. Authorities believe that limited visibility at the time, coupled with the train’s high speed, contributed to the tragic outcome.

Following the accident, railway authorities have expressed regret and assured a thorough inquiry into the circumstances leading to the mishap. They also highlighted the need for stronger awareness campaigns about railway safety in regions where tracks pass close to residential and fairground areas. Locals have urged the administration to improve safety measures, including fencing and signage, to prevent further tragedies. The incident has once again sparked a debate over the safety protocols surrounding India’s semi-high-speed trains, especially in rural stretches with heavy foot traffic near the tracks.