Sambalpur, Aug. 24: Thirteen persons were killed today when the Rourkela-Bhubaneswar Intercity Express rammed into a three-wheeler goods carrier at an unmanned level crossing at Khairpali on the outskirts of the city.

Seven people were injured in the accident, which took place around 8.40am. The auto driver and 12 women were among the deceased.

The auto, which was going to Sindurpankh from Ainlapali, was carrying 21 farm labourers. The accident site falls in the Dhanupali police limits. While five persons were sitting next to the driver, the others were standing sharing the rear seat or standing on the carrier behind.

“The train hit the auto at the crossing at Khairpali and dragged the vehicle around 400 metres. Most of the passengers were thrown off the vehicle by the impact of the collision,” said an eyewitness.

Twelve persons, including the driver, died on the spot. Another person died while being shifted to the hospital. Two passengers escaped unhurt.

The deceased have been identified as Dukhi Pradhan, 40, of Khaliabandh, Buli Bhoi, 12, Anu Bhoi, 12, Bharati Bhoi, 35, Bhariti’s daughter, Arti Bhoi, 16, Madam Sahu, 17, Madan’s sister, Gouri Sahu, 15, Champa Bhoi, 32, Champa’s daughter, Puja Bhoi, 15, Phula Bag, 17, Anita Majhi, 45, Khatpuri Bhoi, 60, and the auto driver, Satya Narayana Nath of Sindur Pankh.

The damaged autorickshaw at Khairpali near Sambalpur and (above) people gather at the spot of accident on Friday. Telegraph pictures

The injured have been identified as Nirupama Bhoi, Sanjukta Routi, Hemalata Bhoi, Subasini Rana, Chandini Rout, Mohini Bhoi and Brundabati Bhoi. They were admitted to VSS Medical College and Hospital in Burla.

Nirupama, who was on the carrier and escaped unhurt, said: “We were going to Sindurpankh. We were about to cross the railway track when we saw the approaching train. We screamed and told the driver about it. But, he did not pay heed to our warning and went ahead to cross the track. As five persons were sitting on the left of the driver, he could not see the train coming from that direction.”

Bhoi said: “I could remember the train hitting the auto. I lost consciousness after being thrown off the tracks. When I regained sense, I saw bodies lying scattered all over.”

Radhey Shyam Das, a local resident, who rushed to the site immediately after the mishap, said the auto driver could not have seen the approaching train from a distance because trees and bushes by the side of the track obstructed the view.

“After the accident, the train remained at the site for nearly an hour. Passengers came out to take care of the victims. The injured were shifted to Burla in ambulances, called by the railway authorities from the district headquarters,” said another eyewitness.

Following the incident, local people sat on a dharna at the crossing, demanding compensation for the victims’ families. The agitation disrupted train movement on the route for more than three hours. Railway sources said the Rourkela-Bhubaneswar Intercity Express left the spot around 10am. The movement of Amritsar-Visakhapatnam Express, Bhubaneswar-Balangir Express and Visakhapatnam-Amritsar Express was affected because of the agitation. Normality was restored on the route around 12.45pm.

There are 260 unmanned level crossings in the Sambalpur railway division.

“Had the train driver applied the brakes, the accident could have been avoided. The incident should be inquired into properly and action taken against the guilty,” said Janardan Bhue, one of the agitators.

“The railways should compensate the families of the deceased. We demand a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each family. All of them belong to the below poverty line category,” said Radheshyam Dash, an agitator.

One Debendra Pradhan said a gate should immediately be built at the crossing where the mishap occurred. “Several accidents are taking place at this unmanned crossing. Had there been a gate, 13 people would have been saved,” he said.

“Steps will be taken to put up a gate at the place. Action will be taken against the guilty,” said divisional railway manager Ashok Gupta.

Additional district magistrate of Sambalpur Madhab Chandra Bariha said the administration would disburse Rs 5,000 to the family members of the deceased for performing their last rights.

Sambalpur sub-collector Rainu Singh said the administration would provide Rs 5,000 from the Red Cross fund to the bereaved families. The divisional railway manager is expected to provide Rs 2,000 to each family. Besides, the district administration would bear the treatment cost of the injured.