Train hits auto, 20 killed

Twenty people killed and two severely injured as a train hits the auto ricksha at a railway crossing between Semra-Sugauli railway stations near Chinouta village in Champaran district in Bihar on Monday around 4.30 pm. The Rafti Ganga Express bound for Gorakhpur running with its full speed hits the auto ricksha that is carrying 22 members of a family at the manned-railway crossing yesterday. This accident happens due to negligence of the railway gateman.

All the victims belong to one family. They are returning home at Chinouta after offering prayers at a temple in the neighbor village. Out of the 20 killed, eight are women and eight or children. Except two, all of they were killed on the spot. Two victims admitted in the hospital are in very critical condition. Railways have declared a compensation of Rs.2 lakh to each victim killed and Rs.1 lakh to injure in this incident. Railway gateman, Semra Railway station superintendent and traffic inspector were suspended for their negligence.