Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh: At least 25 goats were killed after being struck by an Intercity Express train while they were grazing near a railway track in Pratapgarh district on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident took place near Pure Kumharam Bishahiya village under Hathigwan police station. According to the report, three women — Savitri, Urmila, wife of Ashok Kumar Saroj, and Savitri, wife of Shyam Kumar — had taken their goats out to graze near the Lucknow-Prayagraj railway track.
Heavy rain began while the women were in the area, and the goats moved onto the railway tracks. At that moment, an Intercity Express travelling from Lucknow towards Prayagraj was approaching.
A young man near the railway crossing noticed the approaching train and alerted the women, telling them to move away from the tracks. While attempting to drive the goats away, one of the women reportedly lost her balance and fell. She managed to get away from the track safely.
However, the train was travelling at high speed and around 25 goats were struck and killed.
The incident caused panic among passengers on the train. The train stopped after moving ahead, while Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel from Lal Gopalganj reached the scene.
RPF officials said an investigation into the incident is underway. Sub-Inspector Prince Tiwari said further action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Police also said a video of the incident had circulated online and that the matter had been brought to the attention of Hathigwan police station, where further legal proceedings are underway.
RPF official S.K. Singh said the goats had entered the railway tracks during the rain and were subsequently hit by the Intercity Express.