Hathras, March 20: In another tragic unmanned railway crossing incident, 15 people were killed when overcrowded jeep come in-front of Mathura-Kasganj Express in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh. 

According to district officials, the incident took place at the unmanned railway crossing near Maidu railway station at 7.19 a.m. local time. Three people are reportedly seriously injured and admitted to the district hospital. 

As per locals, there were 18 people in the Jeep and 15 of them died on the spot. All of them were from Sathia village of Sasni tehsil.    

The PTI quoted Superintendent of Police Chandra Prakash as saying that last night one Munne Khan, 40, committed suicide in Sathiya village and his family members along with other villagers were going to Hathras for the post mortem.

The administration has identified the victims and and released the list of those identified. The list includes Mukhtayar Khan, Budu Khan, his brother Mubarak Khan and wife Haseena, Shamshad Khan, Balbeer Singh, Munne Khan, Aslam, Bilkis Bano, Achchan Khan and his brother Gaffar Khan, Honey, Riyazuddin, Rifazat and Major Khan.

It is noteworthy that, Railway Minister in its Budget for current fiscal proposed fresh investment to increase safety measures including the unmanned railway crossing. However, the then Railway Minister had to resign following the displeasure of Party leader over the fare hike. 

Thousands die each year in similar incidents across India, and Railway blames it on unawareness of people saying slight caution can save those innocent lives.