VELLORE: A 75-year-old woman died, while four others sustained injuries when they jumped off a railway bridge to avoid an oncoming train near Sitheri on Monday. The injured were admitted to the Government Hospital in Arakkonam and are undergoing treatment.
Muniyammal (75), Shantha and three other elderly women of Sitheri were returning from Melkalathur village, walking along the railway track, after treatment in the Primary Health Centre there. Around 4.30 pm, while crossing the bridge (Ettukan Palam) near Sitheri, they heard the blaring horn of a speeding train behind them. With no other escape route, they jumped off the bridge into the canal.
In the melee, Muniyammal died and four others sustained minor injuries. Passersby and residents of the neighbouring village rushed to the spot and helped the women reach the Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance.
The Arakkonam Police registered a case in this regard and are investigating.Police have cautioned the public from walking on railway tracks .