Bengal Train Accident: PM Modi, Prez Kovind Wish For Speedy Recovery Of Injured. Railway Minister Leaves For Site

12 coaches of Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailed in Domohani area of West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district on Thursday evening. Several political leaders have expressed grief over the loss of lives.

New Delhi: Several political leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ramnath Kovind, and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Bikaner-Guwahati Express train accident.

12 coaches of Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailed in Domohani area of West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district on Thursday evening. The death toll in Bikaner-Guwahati train accident went up to five while 45 were injured, news agency PTI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed that he spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take stock of the situation following the train accident in West Bengal. 

“Spoke to Railways Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation in the wake of the train accident in West Bengal. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly,” PM Modi tweeted.

President Ramnath Kovind stated that he was distressed by the derailment incident as he wished for a speedy recovery of the injured.

“The derailment of coaches of the Bikaner-Guhawati Express near New Maynaguri, West Bengal is distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected passengers and their families. I wish speedy recovery to the injured,” the President wrote.

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu expresses grief over the loss of lives, writing: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the derailment of Bikaner-Guwahati Express in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke to Union Railway Minister and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee about the derailment of Bikaner-Guwahati Express.

CM Mamata “assured to provide all help & assistance on ground and also keep us posted on the ongoing situation. I thank her for offering all her support to the victims,” he stated.

Soon after the incident was reported, CM Mamata Banerjee had informed that “Senior Officers of the State Government, DM/SP/IG North Bengal are supervising rescue and relief operations. Those injured will receive medical attention, as early as possible”.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot also wrote: “Saddened to know about the loss of lives, when bogies of Bikaner-Guwahati Express got derailed in West Bengal. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they remain strong to bear this loss. Prayers for speedy recovery of those injured”.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that he will be reaching the accident site to review the situation. “I’m leaving for the accident spot. Rescue teams are already there. Ex-gratia has also been announced and we will fulfil all of our duties,” he told news agency ANI.

Indian Railways has announced ex gratia relief of Rs 5 lakhs for deceased, Rs 1 lakh for severely injured, and Rs 25,000 for those with minor injuries.

(With Inputs From Agencies)