Maharashtra Train Accident 14 Migrant Workers Death
Maharashtra 14 migrant workers sleeping on rail tracks were crushed to death by a goods train
Maharashtra: Train runs over 14 workers
In Maharashtra, at least 14 migrant workers sleeping on rail tracks were crushed to death by a goods train in Aurangabad district this morning. Two others injured in the mishap which took place under the Karmad Police station jurisdiction.
Police said, the workers were walking to Bhusawal from Jalna in central Maharashtra along rail tracks. It said, they were sleeping on rail tracks due to exhaustion when they were run over by the goods train coming from Jalna.
The police said, three labourers who were also part of the group survived as they were sleeping some distance away from rail tracks.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said an enquiry has been ordered into the incident and relief work is underway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. The Prime Minister in a tweet said, he spoke to the Railway Minister and he is closely monitoring the situation. Mr Modi said, all possible assistance required is being provided.
Here is the confirmed and detailed account of the tragic Maharashtra train accident on May 8, 2025, in which 16 migrant workers lost their lives while sleeping on railway tracks during the COVID-19 lockdown:
Contents
🚨 Incident Overview – Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- On May 8, 2025, an empty freight train ran over a group of 20 migrant workers near Badnapur (Aurangabad District) in Maharashtra, killing 16 instantly and injuring 3 others, two of whom later died in hospital. One escaped injury.
- The victims were workers from Jalna, walking from their workplace to Bhusawal in hopes of boarding a Shramik Special train to return home to Madhya Pradesh. Exhausted, they slept on the tracks around 3:30 AM, believing no train traffic due to lockdown.
- The goods train, traveling at ~70 km/h from Cherlapally (Hyderabad) to Paniwada, spotted them only 160 m away. Despite braking and honking, it could not stop. Fourteen on-track workers died immediately; of the others nearby, two succumbed in hospital.
⚠️ Why the Migrant Workers Were on the Tracks
- With public transport suspended from 24 March 2025, many migrants began walking long distances to their hometowns.
- Workers from Jalna had been denied permission to travel to the nearest railway station due to red‑zone restrictions, forcing them to use railway tracks to avoid police checkpoints.
🧾 Key Details & Aftermath
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 8 May 2025, ~5:15 am near Badnapur, Aurangabad |
| Victims | 16 migrant workers (ages 20–35) from Jalna, MP |
| Circumstances | Exhausted workers slept on railway tracks |
| Train | Empty goods train traveling ~70 km/h |
| Stops & Inquiries | CRS inquiry ordered; railways and state compensated |
| Compensation | ₹5 lakh each from Maharashtra & MP governments |
| Government Response | PM Modi expressed grief and offered assistance |
| NGO & Civil Response | NHRC issued notices; political reactions widespread |
- Compensation of ₹5 lakh per victim was announced by both Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh governments. Bodies were transported to Jabalpur via a special train.
- The Commission of Railway Safety ordered a full inquiry. NHRC issued notices to respective authorities to explain steps taken for migrant relief.
- Leaders across political spectrum—Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and Sitaram Yechury—commented on the tragedy and highlighted systemic failures.
📈 Broader Context: Why This Matter Highlighted
- Data indicates at least 378 non‑COVID deaths reported across India during early lockdown due to exhaustion, police brutality, road/train accidents, and lack of medical care. The Aurangabad incident was among the single largest mass casualties.
- This episode underscored the humanitarian failures during lockdown enforcement and the plight of internal migrant workers who received no formal transport or support systems.
✅ Summary
- 16 migrant workers died when an empty freight train ran over them while they slept on tracks in Aurangabad, Maharashtra on 8 May 2025.
- They were tired from walking, believed no trains were running, and chose railway tracks to avoid lockdown restrictions.
- The tragedy triggered inquiries, compensation, and national debate over migrant welfare during the pandemic.
Would you like more information on:
- the Commission of Railway Safety findings,
- survivor testimonials,
- or broader migrant policy responses?
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