On the evening of Friday, October 3, 2025, a tragic train accident occurred on Platform 4 at Sonpur Railway Station, Bihar. The victim, Vijay Kumar Singh, aged 43, was a resident of Sakra, Muzaffarpur, and worked as a Deputy Chief Controller. The incident took place when he was boarding the Jogbani-Danapur Intercity train. While attempting to board, he fell and was tragically run over by the train, resulting in his death.
The Incident at Sonpur Station
Vijay Kumar Singh, who lived in the Shivpuri Anand Dwarika Heritage Apartment in Anisabad, Patna, was returning home after completing his duty. He was working in the Operations Department of the Sonpur Railway Division. Singh was the son of the late Rajdev Singh and hailed from the Dubaha village in the Sakra police station area of Muzaffarpur. This tragic incident occurred while he was on his way back to Patna, and the shocking news of his untimely death has shaken his family and colleagues.
The accident took place on Platform 4 of Sonpur Railway Station, and upon hearing the news, a large crowd gathered at the scene. The identification of the deceased quickly spread, leading to an overwhelming emotional response from his family members. The entire situation turned into a heartbreaking scene of sorrow, as the family members were inconsolable. Senior officials, including the DRM, Senior DOM, and DOM, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was reported. The GRP (Government Railway Police) station in charge, Manju Devi, informed that the body was sent for post-mortem at the Hajipur Sadar Hospital.
The Impact on Railway Services
The tragic incident significantly impacted the functioning of the railway services, with several trains delayed. Regular and special trains arriving from Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad were delayed due to the incident. More than half a dozen trains were running late, including the Lokmanya Tilak Terminal-Raxaul Special and the Charpalpli-Muzaffarpur Special trains, which are now expected to arrive in Muzaffarpur only early Saturday morning.
Other trains also faced significant delays. The 04653 New Jalpaiguri-Amritsar Superfast Special, originally scheduled to arrive at 3:05 PM, reached Muzaffarpur at 6:03 PM instead. Similarly, the 04651 Jaynagar-Amritsar Special, which was supposed to arrive at 8:20 AM, reached at 2:05 PM. The 05060 Lucknow-Kolkata Special, 04450 Darbhanga Festival Special, and 12554 Vaishali Express also faced substantial delays, arriving much later than their scheduled times.
Railway Authorities Respond to the Incident
In response to the widespread delays caused by the tragic accident, railway authorities issued an apology to the passengers. They acknowledged the inconvenience caused and urged passengers to be patient, considering the sensitive nature of the situation. The railway authorities also assured the public that efforts were being made to handle the situation and minimize disruptions to the service.
The delays in train services created an atmosphere of frustration among passengers, many of whom were stranded at various stations across Bihar. Despite the tragic nature of the incident, the authorities emphasized the importance of understanding the difficult and sensitive circumstances surrounding the accident. They called for public cooperation in this trying time.
Emotional Impact and Community Response
The tragic loss of Vijay Kumar Singh has left a void not only in his family but also in the railway community. His colleagues in the operations department and others at the Sonpur Railway Division have expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The emotional toll of such an untimely and horrific accident is being felt across the community.
Residents and colleagues alike mourned the loss of a dedicated official, who was known for his professionalism and commitment to his work. The news of the incident quickly spread, with many individuals sharing their condolences and offering support to the bereaved family.
Investigation and Future Safety Measures
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident, with special attention being given to factors that may have led to the fatal incident. Railway officials have stressed the need for improved safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future, especially at busy stations like Sonpur.
The authorities are likely to examine the procedures followed by railway staff when dealing with such incidents. This could include revisiting protocols for boarding and disembarking passengers, especially during high-traffic periods. Additionally, safety measures like increased signage, better crowd control, and staff training might be implemented to ensure passenger safety.
The Need for Safety Awareness and Precautions
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks that passengers face while traveling by train, especially in busy areas. It also highlights the need for greater safety awareness and precautions, not just among passengers, but also railway staff. Regular safety drills and more stringent monitoring of passenger movements can play a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of such accidents.
It is essential for travelers to stay cautious, especially while boarding or disembarking trains, to avoid accidents. In light of this, the railway authorities are expected to review and strengthen their safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.
The loss of Vijay Kumar Singh in such a tragic accident is an enormous blow to his family, colleagues, and the entire railway community. His death has brought attention to the need for better safety measures and practices at railway stations across the country. The emotional impact of the incident has been felt by many, with residents and fellow railway workers mourning the loss of a dedicated individual.
The incident has not only disrupted train services but also served as a wake-up call for railway authorities to improve safety procedures and ensure that such incidents do not happen again. As investigations continue, the authorities are likely to implement changes aimed at improving safety standards and preventing further tragedies. The railway system must learn from this painful incident and work towards providing safer travel experiences for all passengers in the future.
While the family of Vijay Kumar Singh grapples with the loss, the entire community has come together to show support and solidarity. This tragic accident has underscored the importance of vigilance, safety measures, and the collective responsibility of ensuring a safe and secure environment for everyone in the railway system.
