Yesterday, 24th august 2012, thirteen persons were killed and six injured when the Rourkela-Bhubaneswar Intercity rammed into a three-wheeler at an unmanned level crossing at Khairpali, about 15 km from Sambalpur.
Local people blocked the tracks on demanding the immediate construction of gates at the level crossing and suitable compensation to the victims’ families. “We have repeatedly demanded construction of gates at the level crossing, but the railway authorities have turned a deaf ear to us. This tragedy could have been averted if there were gates and a person to man them,” said Radheshyam Das, a resident of the locality.
The blockade disrupted train services on the route. The villagers called off their protest in the afternoon on the intervention of the district administration. “It was an unfortunate mishap. The train was detained for about two hours,” said Sambalpur divisional railway manager (DRM) A K Gupta.
Some of the deceased were identified as Budi Bhoi (12), Annu Bhoi (12), Arti Bhoi (16), Bharti Bhoi (35), Jayanti Bag (16), Gouri bag (16), Madam Sahu (17), Champa Bhoi (35), Dukhi Bhoi (40) and Phula Bhoi (17) besides the auto driver, Satya Nayaran Nath. They were residents of Khairpali, Pitapali and Khaliaband.
