A Fatal Rush: 2 Men Hit by Train While Crossing Closed Crossing in Kanpur

KANPUR — In a tragic incident highlighting the severe dangers of bypassing railway safety protocols, two men lost their lives after being struck by a fast-approaching passenger train at a closed level crossing in Kanpur.

The accident occurred at the Panki Padaav railway crossing when the level crossing gate had been lowered to allow an oncoming express train—identified by authorities as the Unchahar Express—to pass safely.

According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, several commuters were patiently waiting behind the barrier. However, two men attempted to bypass the closed gate to cross the tracks on foot before the arrival of the train. As they stepped onto the active line, the speeding train struck them, leaving no time to react.

Upon being alerted by nearby commuters and residents, teams from the local Panki police station and the Government Railway Police (GRP) rushed to the scene to secure the area and initiate emergency procedures.

Police recovered identification documents, including an Aadhaar card, from one of the deceased, identifying him as 35-year-old Sanjeev, a resident of Mainpuri district. Efforts to confirm the identity of the second victim remain ongoing. Both bodies were subsequently sent for post-mortem examinations as part of standard legal and investigative formalities.

Following the incident, local community leaders and railway officials have called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and increased security personnel at busy level crossings to prevent pedestrian trespassing. They emphasized that public awareness campaigns alone are insufficient unless commuters recognize that risking their lives to save a few minutes can lead to irreversible tragedy.

Railway officials and local police reiterated the vital importance of respecting level crossing barriers. "Closed railway gates are lowered specifically for public safety when high-speed trains approach. Attempting to duck under or around barriers to cross active tracks is extremely hazardous and frequently leads to avoidable, fatal outcomes."

Authorities continue to advise commuters to avoid rushing across tracks and to always wait for signals to clear and gates to fully open before proceeding.