PATNA: In a heartbreaking incident near Sheikhpura on Monday, a 50-year-old man lost his life while attempting to save two buffaloes from being struck by the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express. All three—man and animals—were hit and killed instantly by the speeding train.
The tragedy unfolded around 11 a.m. along the Nawada-Kiul section under the Danapur division of East Central Railway (ECR), when the victim, Gopal Yadav, rushed onto the tracks in a desperate bid to steer his buffaloes away from danger. Despite his effort, the semi high-speed train hit them with such force that Yadav’s body and the animals’ carcasses were flung several metres, with remains scattered across the railway line.
Eyewitnesses reported that the train was travelling at full speed when the buffaloes wandered onto the tracks. Yadav attempted to intervene but was caught in the path of the oncoming locomotive. The loco pilot applied emergency brakes but was unable to prevent the fatal collision.
Sheikhpura police confirmed that train services were briefly disrupted for about 30 minutes following the incident. The front portion of the Vande Bharat train also sustained partial damage.
Locals Slam Railways Over Lack of Precautions
The incident sparked outrage among residents, who accused railway authorities of neglecting safety in the area. “This route has frequent livestock crossings, but there’s no fencing or protective barriers—even after introducing semi high-speed trains like Vande Bharat,” said Surendra Ram, a local resident and neighbour of the deceased.
Gopal Yadav is survived by his wife and four young children.
Sheikhpura police station SHO Dharmendra Kumar said Assistant Sub-Inspector Ashok Paswan visited the site and recorded statements from eyewitnesses. “The body has been sent to Sadar Hospital for post-mortem,” he added.
Ravindra Yadav, Railway Protection Force (RPF) inspector at Mokama and currently overseeing the Kiul post, said the railways will soon launch an awareness campaign to discourage people from letting cattle roam freely near tracks.
The incident has once again highlighted the need for urgent infrastructure and safety upgrades along railway lines that pass through densely populated and rural areas.
