Indian Railways on Wednesday issued a clarification after a media report claimed that a man, travelling from Kerala to New Delhi, died after an occupied upper berth fell on him during his train journey.
The incident occurred last week when a 62-year-old passenger, identified as Ali Khan, was traveling on the sleeper coach of the Ernakulam-Hazrat Nizamuddin Millennium Superfast Express (12645).
The upper berth, which was occupied by another passenger, suddenly collapsed onto Khan, who was resting on the lower berth. Khan suffered significant injuries due to the falling berth and the weight of the passenger.
Railway authorities immediately rushed him to a hospital in Hyderabad. However, he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing surgery.
India Railways clarified days after the incident and stated that the accident was not caused by a defunct berth. The railways said that when the berth in question was checked by authorities, it was found that the occupant had not properly locked the upper berth using the chains, causing the accident.
“The concerned passenger was travelling on seat no. 57 (lower berth) of S/6 coach. The upper berth seat fell down due to improper placement of chain of the upper berth. Due to improper chaining of seat of upper berth by passenger, the seat fell down,” Railway Ministry spokesperson said in an official clarification.
“Railway staff, on the other hand, after getting a message at around 6:34 pm (15.6.2024) at Ramagundam station, on-duty station master immediately arranged for assistance by 108 Ambulance and made an unscheduled stoppage of the train at Ramagundam. The passenger was shifted from the coach to the ambulance and admitted to the nearby hospital, as per the statement.
