Ranchi/IBNS/UNI: At least two people lost their lives on Wednesday evening after being hit by a train in Jamtara district of Jharkhand. The incident occurred near Kaljharia, approximately 140 km away from Ranchi.

According to reports, passengers traveling on the Anga Express from Bhagalpur to Bengaluru got off the train as rumours of a fire on board spread panic.

As they tried to run across the tracks to escape the alleged fire, another train running on the route ran them over, said reports.

Jamtara Superintendent of Police confirmed that two people died in this accident.

The Eastern Railways has formed a three-member team to probe the incident.

However, the Eastern Railway said the victims were not passengers but were walking on the tracks when they were hit by a train. They also ruled out reports of any fire.

"Two persons walking on the track were run over by the train at least two km away from train number 12254 passing from Vidyasagar Kasitar. There is no incident of fire. As of now, two deaths have been confirmed. The deceased are not passengers, they were walking on the track. A three-member committee has been formed to enquire about the issue," Kaushik Mitra, the Eastern Railways official said.

Railway administration, railway police, and local administration have reached the spot.

The injured are being taken to the hospital and a search operation is still ongoing.