Biaora level crossing accident

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In the Biaora level crossing accident an ox cart was hit by an express train at Biaora in Madhya Pradesh in India on May 9, 2005.

Eight members of the same family, including four women and three children, were killed on the spot when their bullock-cart was hit by a train travelling from Okha to Gorakhpur at an unmanned railway crossing near Biaora station in Rajgarh district at 6.30pm. The train was unable to stop in time to avoid the cart, but no train passengers were injured in the crash. The train had just passed through Pachor station, and it is thought the cart's driver, Baldev Singh Sutar, crossed without looking.

Also killed was his wife Narmada Bai and their daughters Kalabai (25), Manju (17), Manisha (7), Rekha (1) and son Deepak (5), as well as another child who was not named. The family's other two sons were amongst the first on the scene, and collapsed with shock at the sight. One of the oxen was also reported dead.

Relatives of the deceased have claimed that Baldex Sutar was carrying jewels with him for safe-keeping when the accident happened, and have accused the police of stealing them, something local police fervently deny.

This incident is typical of dozens of tragic accidents which mar India's railway system every year.