UditVani, Jamshedpur : A heartbreaking accident near the Barigora railway gate in the Parsudih police station area on Monday led to the death of a 16-year-old girl and left her younger cousin seriously injured, triggering intense public outrage and protests in the locality.
The victim, Anjali Kumari (16), a resident of Barigora Subhash Tola, was returning after stepping out to buy daily necessities when the mishap occurred.
Her cousin, Nidhi Kumari, aged between 10 and 12 years, was with her at the time. Locals rushed the injured child to Tata Motors Hospital, where doctors said her condition remains serious but stable.
As per preliminary accounts from family members and eyewitnesses, a bus had been stationed near the railway crossing.
The driver allegedly engaged the handbrake and went for tea. Moments later, when the railway gate was in the process of closing, the bus reportedly rolled backward after the handbrake failed, slamming into a scooter carrying the two girls. Anjali was crushed under the vehicle and died instantly.
The tragedy sparked immediate anger among residents, who gathered at the site and blocked roads and railway tracks, bringing traffic and train movement to a halt. In the chaos that followed, the bus involved in the accident was also vandalised by the crowd.
Police personnel from Parsudih police station reached the scene promptly and worked to restore order.
The victim’s family demanded that the bus owner come forward for talks, stating that they would decide on further legal steps only after discussions.
Police officials said a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain responsibility, including the role of the bus driver and possible mechanical failure.
Authorities also said action would be taken against those found guilty, while keeping a close watch on the law-and-order situation in the area.
The incident has left Barigora and nearby neighbourhoods in shock, with residents mourning the loss of a young life and demanding accountability.
