Six Dead, 45 Injured As Guwahati-Bound Bikaner Express Derails Near Jalpaiguri; Inquiry Ordered
The Indian Railways said that 12 coaches have been affected, adding the DRM and ADRM rushed to the site along with accident relief train and medical van.
Kolkata: At least six people are feared dead and around 45 are injured after 12 coaches of Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailed in Domohani area of West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district on Thursday evening.
According to initial reports, the Guwahati-Bikaner Express 15633 (up) derailed at around 5 pm.
The Indian Railways said that 12 coaches have been affected, adding the DRM and ADRM rushed to the site along with the accident relief train and medical van.
According to sources, around 10 to 12 people have been admitted to the local hospitals post the incident. Nearly 30-35 ambulances reached the accident site at around 5:30 pm. All injured have now been taken to hospitals.
Indian Railways has confirmed that the rescue work is almost complete now.
The rescue train has been rushed to the accident site and is likely to reach in the next 30 to 45 minutes. The rescue train has equipment that helps in cutting apart train bogies to bring out the passengers.
The Indian Railways has issued a helpline number 8134054999 to answer queries from the passengers.
Severe injuries and casualties are feared as several compartments of the train got overturned. "Following a sudden jerk, several bogies overturned. There are casualties," news agency ANI quoted a passenger as claiming.
Indian Railways Announced Ex-Gratia
An ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakhs has been announced by the Indian Railways for those who lost their lives in the tragic incident, while Rs 1 lakh each will be given to those severely injured. Additionally, Rs 25,000 relief will also be given to those with minor injuries.
Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee On Bikaner Express Derailment
Soon after the mishap was reported, CM Mamata Banerjee took to Twitter and assured medical attention for those injured. She also said that she was deeply concerned to hear about the tragic accident of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express in Maynaguri.
Situation being closely monitored from the State HQs.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 13, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and inquired about the accident.
Helpline Numbers Issued
Indian Railways has said that a high-level railway safety inquiry has been ordered in the Guwahati-Bikaner Express 15633 derailment. Railway Helpline numbers - 03612731622, 03612731623.
Among those injured, 15 people are said to be in critical condition. Due to sunset and less visibility, torches and generators are being used to conduct the rescue operations.
DG NDRF Atul Karwal told news agency ANI that two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed which will reach shortly to rescue people in the Guwahati-Bikaner Express accident.
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