Chennai: In a tragic incident, a 15-year-old young woman sportsperson died after consuming food while travelling to Chennai from Gwalior onboard the New Delhi-Chennai Egmore Grand Trunk Express on Monday, even as the Railways clarified that she did not die due to the food ordered onboard.
The Railways expressed its deep condolences for the tragic death of the sportsperson.
In a statement issued by Southern Railway on Monday night, it said "Clarification by IRCTC regarding the unfortunate death of a 15-year old passenger (Female Sports player) who travelled by GT Express.
On date 18.11.2024 it has been reported by Private Tamil Satellite TV channels and being circulated through Social Media that “a passenger after having Chicken Rice and Burger during rail travel has fallen sick and later passed away at Chennai on 18.11.2024.”
First and foremost, the Railways expresses its deep condolences to the bereaved family of the passenger.
However, since the person travelled as a passenger, Railways wanted to check the details of the journey with regard to the food ordered by the passenger, and it is found that the passenger has not ordered food through the onboard services or through IRCTC.
As per the initial enquiry conducted, the deceased passenger Ms. Elina Laurette R (Age:15) travelled by Train No.12616 Grand Trunk Express Ex- Gwalior (GWL) to Chennai Egmore (MS) on November 15 reached Chennai Egmore on November 17 at 06:10 AM.
The group of 06 + 06 passengers including the deceased travelled with two tickets in B-1 Coach and there was no complaints in onboard catering services in the Train on the said date were registered regarding quality of food items served.
As per the news article, deceased passenger had ordered Chicken Rice and Burger through an online platform and the food was shared by her friends also.
Moreover, the said food items are not part of the menu and not served through IRCTC.
Further, the possibility of aforesaid passengers ordering through e-catering by IRCTC portal was also examined and the two PNR of the group , was verified and no e-catering orders were placed through IRCTC e-catering platform.
There were no complaints registered or recorded in this train as per the Rail Madad platform on the quality of food.
A complaint received through 139 for medical assistance and a doctor attended at Balharshah Railway station. Doctor advised to detrain and admit into the hospital.
However, passengers chose to travel further towards the destination.
Hence, the passenger has not availed the catering services from the pantry car or from IRCTC.
