The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives in an accident in which a speeding train rammed into an auto-rickshaw at a railway crossing in East Champaran District of Bihar.

In his message to Dr. D.Y. Patil, Governor of Bihar, the President has said "I am extremely saddened to learn about the accident in which, a speeding train rammed into an auto-rickshaw at a railway crossing in Bihar’s East Champaran District. I understand a number of persons, including children lost their lives and some were critically injured.

I call upon the State Government and Railway authorities to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved families as well as the best of medical attention to the injured. I am sure authorities will also take necessary measures to urgently investigate the cause of the incident and put in place necessary remedial measures.

Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons”.

This release issued at 2020 hrs.