Watch: Narrow escape for passengers as speeding Bundelkhand Express train hits Bolero stuck on tracks in MP

BHOPAL: Hundreds of passengers aboard the Bundelkhand Express had a narrow escape after the train collided with a Bolero SUV stuck on the tracks near Magarpur railway station on MP-UP border in Niwari district in the wee hours of Thursday.
The incident occurred around 1 am in the Jhansi division, just 5 km from Niwari station. Due to ongoing construction of a new underbridge, the old crossing near Magarpur station had been closed, forcing locals to dangerously navigate across open tracks-often using makeshift pathways or placing stones to drive over them.

On the night of the incident, the Bolero was attempting to cross the tracks when it got stuck. Moments later, the speeding Bundelkhand Express, en route from Gwalior to Prayagraj, approached the spot. The loco pilot applied emergency brakes, but the impact was unavoidable. The train hit the vehicle, shattering it and throwing it off the tracks. All occupants of the Bolero managed to jump out and flee seconds before the crash, escaping unhurt.
The train, shaken but undamaged, came to a halt, causing panic among passengers, some of whom disembarked in fear. The halt lasted approximately 35 minutes as RPF and GRP teams arrived at the scene and managed to clear the mangled vehicle from the tracks. No injuries were reported among train passengers.
Officials later confirmed that the Bolero occupants were returning from a wedding function. However, they were not found at the scene.
Locals while talking to media blame the railway authorities for the near-disaster, citing the closure of the old underbridge without providing a safe alternative route for nearby villages.
Spokesperson of the Jhansi division told TOI that RPF has initiated legal action against the vehicle owners for trespassing. "There was no route for them to cross. It's a case of trespassing and necessary action is being taken," said the officer.