3 killed after being hit by train in West Bengal

Three people -- a woman, her child and a fruit seller who tried to rescue them -- were killed as they were hit by a train while crossing the railway tracks in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Monday.

According to eyewitnesses, the woman was crossing the tracks when her child slipped from her arms and fell on the tracks on which the Gour Express was approaching. A fruit seller on the platform rushed to save them, but all three were hit by the train.

The locals tried to arrange an ambulance but the level-crossing operator did not open the gates to let the emergency vehicle pass. So it took time for them to be taken to hospital, where doctors declared them dead.

The locals alleged the railways’ negligence citing frequent and prolonged closure of the level-crossing gates that forces people to take shortcuts across the tracks. Despite repeated complaints to the railway authorities, no action has been taken, it was alleged.

Police and GRP personnel intervened to disperse the protest and assured prompt investigation.