In a bizarre and tragic incident, 82-year-old Mr. Shivdayal Sharma lost his life when a cow was tossed 30 meters into the air after being struck by an express train. The peculiar accident occurred as Mr. Sharma was relieving himself on the railway tracks in the city of Alwar, located in the northern state of Rajasthan, India.
Mr. Sharma, a former railway employee, was struck by the airborne cow and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Eyewitnesses reported the shocking scene, describing the unfortunate collision between the train and the unsuspecting pensioner.
Cattle deaths resulting from train collisions have been a persistent issue in India, and government data reveals a concerning trend. According to official statistics, trains in the country ran over more than 13,000 cattle in 2022 alone, representing a significant 24% increase from 2019.
Authorities in Alwar are investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, focusing on railway safety measures and potential factors contributing to such unusual accidents. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for enhanced safety protocols and increased awareness to prevent such mishaps in the future.
The local community mourns the loss of Mr. Shivdayal Sharma, and concerns about railway safety and the well-being of both human and animal life continue to be at the forefront of public discourse.