The Migrant workers across the country had become more vulnerable since the nationwide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of Coronavirus. The workers have been ought to get stranded far away from their home states as the complete embargo has suspended the transportation channels. 

Most of the workers have been getting sheltered in the government-run accommodation centers or at the temporary camps while some workers had and have been taking the toughest passage to return to their home states - walking hundreds of kilometers on foot and these attempts had reflected their plight.  In line with that, at least 16 migrant workers who were walking to their home state of Madhya Pradesh had died after the goods train ran over them.

According to the reports, these migrant workers were sleeping on rail tracks and mowed down by the goods train in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra on Friday morning. The mishap took place at 5.15 am under the jurisdiction of Karmad Police station. 

At around 5:15 am, unfortunately a freight train ran over some people which lead to the death of 16 labourers. We are looking in to the matter: Mokshada Patil, SP Aurangabad #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/GJaavisRv4

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2020

According to PTI, the workers were walking to Bhusawal from Jalna in Central Maharashtra on the trail tracks as they were returning to their home state of Madhya Pradesh by walk. After feeling exhausted, they slept on the rail tracks following which the goods train ran over them. These workers were working in a steel factory in Jalna and they started their journey on Thursday night.

ANI News agency stated that 16 laborers had died and five others have been injured. The injured have been shifted to Aurangabad Civil Hospital for treatments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and stated that "Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. I have spoken to Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and he is closely monitoring the situation. All possible assistance required is being provided."

Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal said that the relief work is underway and the ministry has ordered a probe on the tragic incident. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has announced Rs 5 lakh solatium to each family of the victims.