Bhopal/Jabalpur, Dec 7 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred at Jabalpur’s Madan Mahal Railway Station where a woman lost her life, and five others, including two children, suffered serious injuries after being hit by a speeding freight train.

The accident happened late Saturday night. All injured individuals were taken to Jabalpur Medical College for urgent medical care.

As per the Government Railway Police officials, six members of a family from the Narsinghpur district faced this catastrophic event at Platform No. 1 of Madan Mahal station around 11:30 p.m. on December 6. The family comprised Pushpa Soni (39), Shivani Patel (22), Nanhi Bai (40), four-year-old Reeti Patel, two-year-old Indrajit Patel, and another four-year-old child. They had arrived at Madan Mahal station via the Janshatabdi Express and were attempting to navigate between platforms, according to police reports.

Instead of utilizing the foot overbridge, the three women and their children made the dangerous decision to cross the tracks directly.

Witnesses reported that as they stepped onto the platform, a freight train was approaching at high speed from the opposite side. In the ensuing chaos, the family was struck. Pushpa Soni died on the spot, while the others sustained serious injuries.

Fellow passengers quickly came to their aid and transported the injured to Jabalpur Medical College Hospital with the assistance of emergency services.

The freight train operator stopped immediately after the collision, but unfortunately, the damage was already done, as noted by GRP officials.

The lack of security personnel on the platform during the incident has raised significant concerns. Observers pointed out that if railway staff or guards had been present, they might have prevented the family from crossing the tracks, potentially avoiding this tragedy.

Police investigations are ongoing, with the GRP reviewing eyewitness statements and station CCTV footage.

Authorities confirmed that two women and three children remain in critical condition, while the station management faces scrutiny regarding lapses in passenger safety.

This incident highlights the ongoing dangers associated with track-crossing at railway stations, where, despite repeated warnings, passengers frequently risk their lives by ignoring footbridges.