A devastating accident in Bihar’s Purnia district claimed the lives of four teenagers early Friday morning when they were struck by the Jogbani-Danapur Vande Bharat Express. The group of youngsters, aged between 13 and 15, was returning home after attending a Durga Puja fair when tragedy unfolded on the railway tracks. One more teenager survived but sustained critical injuries and is undergoing treatment. The incident has left the local community in shock, raising urgent concerns about railway safety and public awareness around high-speed trains operating in the region.

Accident Occurred During Early Morning Hours

According to reports, the accident took place around 4:40 AM when visibility was low. The teenagers attempted to cross the railway tracks at that time, unaware of the approaching train. Due to the speed of the Jogbani-Danapur Vande Bharat Express and reduced visibility conditions, they were unable to move away in time. The collision proved fatal for four of them instantly, while one survivor was rushed to medical care with severe injuries. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Community Shocked by Loss of Young Lives

The victims were all school-aged children who had spent the night celebrating at a local Durga Puja fair before heading home in the early hours. Their sudden deaths have cast a pall of grief across their families and neighborhoods, where festive celebrations quickly turned into mourning. Local residents gathered near the site following news of the accident, expressing sorrow and frustration over recurring dangers posed by railway crossings without adequate safety measures or supervision during festivals when children are often out late at night.

Railways Urge Public Caution Near Tracks

In response to the tragedy, railway authorities have reiterated warnings for people to exercise extreme caution while crossing tracks, especially during nighttime or early morning hours when visibility is poor. Officials emphasized that trains like Vande Bharat operate at significantly higher speeds than conventional passenger trains, making it even more dangerous for pedestrians attempting to cross without designated pathways or signals. The investigation will look into whether additional safety measures could be implemented in areas where pedestrian movement across tracks is frequent, particularly during festival seasons when crowds increase substantially.

High-Speed Trains and Safety Challenges

The introduction of faster trains such as Vande Bharat has brought modern connectivity to many parts of India but has also highlighted challenges related to public safety along rail corridors. Experts note that while infrastructure upgrades are ongoing, public awareness campaigns remain equally critical to prevent accidents involving pedestrians near tracks. This incident underscores how vulnerable children and teenagers can be when moving unsupervised near railway lines, especially during cultural festivities that extend late into the night or early morning hours.

A Reminder of Safety During Festive Gatherings

Durga Puja is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in eastern India, drawing large crowds for fairs and cultural events that often continue until dawn. While these gatherings bring joy and community spirit, they also increase risks for young people traveling home late at night without adult supervision or safe passageways across busy transport routes like railways. The Purnia accident serves as a tragic reminder of how quickly celebrations can turn into calamity if safety precautions are overlooked or underestimated near high-speed train routes. As families mourn their loss and authorities continue their inquiry, calls are growing for stricter enforcement of safety measures around railway lines as well as greater community education on avoiding such hazards in future festive seasons.