A minor panic unfolded at Bardhaman railway station on Sunday evening when a woman reportedly lost her balance on a footoverbridge and fell down the stairs, injuring several passengers in the process. Officials have confirmed that eight people, including five women and three men, sustained injuries and were immediately shifted to Bardhaman Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

According to Vishal Kapoor, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Howrah, the incident took place around 5:30 pm between platforms 4 and 5. Speaking to reporters, Kapoor said, “Around 5.30 pm, when a lady was coming down the stairs between platforms 4 and 5, she lost her balance. After she fell, her weight impacted other passengers sitting on the footoverbridge stairs, causing them to lose their balance and fall. Eight people got injured — five females and three males — and all have been admitted to the hospital. Railways is extending all support to the injured.”

Railway authorities and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) rushed to the spot immediately after the fall. Medical personnel stationed at the platform provided first aid before transferring the injured passengers to the hospital.

In a statement issued later in the evening, the Indian Railways clarified that the situation did not amount to a stampede, dismissing early rumours circulating on social media. “This evening, a woman travelling from the footoverbridge at Bardhaman station lost her balance and fell on the stairs. After the fall, a few passengers nearby also lost their balance and fell. RPF and railway staff immediately attended to the injured, and railway doctors were present on-site. It is clarified that there was no stampede, and the crowd remained normal,” the statement read.

Officials added that all injured passengers are receiving proper treatment and that the railway administration is monitoring their condition closely.