Patna: A man died after being struck by a Vande Bharat Express at Barh railway station in Bihar on Tuesday morning, in an incident that has raised concerns over passenger safety on platforms.
The train, travelling from Patna to Howrah, hit the man while he was standing near the edge of platform number two, reportedly to spit khaini (chewing tobacco), according to railway police.
Eyewitnesses said the train was approaching at speed and sounded its horn, but the man stepped forward towards the edge. Despite warnings from passengers nearby, he was unable to move away in time and was hit within moments.
The impact left him critically injured, triggering panic at the station. Railway police personnel rushed him to the Barh sub-divisional hospital, where he was given initial treatment.
Doctors were preparing to refer him to Patna due to his condition, but he died before he could be transferred.
Sub-inspector Virendra Prasad of the railway police said preliminary findings indicated the man had gone to the platform edge to spit khaini when the accident occurred.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed, and police are attempting to trace his family members.
Videos of the incident, recorded by bystanders, have circulated widely on social media.
Railway authorities have urged passengers to remain cautious on platforms and avoid standing near the edge, particularly when trains are approaching.
