Utkal Express Derailment: Hindu Saints Thank Muslims Who Saved Their Lives

On Saturday, 14 coaches of the Kalinga Utkal Express train derailed seconds after crossing Khatauli in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. The eyewitness accounts of the derailment bring out a gruesome picture, with crumpled coaches slamming into each other.

Passengers in the train, which runs from Puri to Haridwar every day, included Hindu saints who were injured in the accident. Some of them told the Times of India, how, they owed their lives nearby residents who rushed in to save them. And yes, the residents happened to adherents of the Islamic faith.

“I remember my head bumping into the seat in front of me, throwing me at least two feet forward. I was in pain and could hear screams from all directions. Honestly, if it hadn’t been for Muslims in the area who rushed to the spot and pulled us out of the train’s coach, we might not have survived,” Bhagwan Das Maharaj told TOI.

He was travelling with six other saints to take a dip in the Ganga.

Another saint, Morni Das, said, “We believe in God and we saw his power soon after the accident. There are times when people politicise Hindu-Muslim ties, but there has always been love between the two communities.”

The saints also spoke about how, as soon as they were pulled them out of the coach, their rescuers brought them water, khaats (cots) and also arranged for a private doctor.

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: [email protected]
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

Found Value in This Story?Pay What You Can to Support Impactful Journalism

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201
₹501
₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let’s ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?