Speeding train kills 11 pilgrims

MORADABAD, February 23: Eleven pilgrims were crushed to death by a speeding train between Kankarkhera and Gajraula railway stations near here this morning. Railway sources here said while eight of the pilgrims, locally referred to as Kanwarias8217;, were killed on the spot, three succumbed to injuries in a hospital here. The pilgrims were crossing a railway bridge oblivious of the fast-approaching Delhi-Bareilly passenger train when the mishap occurred, the sources said.

The Kanwarias8217; are devotees of Shiva who carry holy Ganga water for the coming Shivratri festival. However, Northern Railway officials in Delhi said eight pilgrims were killed and three injured in the mishap. The injured were undergoing treatment in Vam Organic Hospital in Gajraula.