Bihar Train Accident: Fault In Tracks Could Have Caused North East Express Derailment, Says Initial Probe

A track fault could have been the cause of the derailment of the Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express, which killed four people and injured many more. Read on to know more.

North East Express derailed

Source : PTI Images

The possible cause of the derailment of the Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express in Bihar in which four people were killed and several injured could be due to the fault in tracks, news agency PTI reported citing sources who quoted a preliminary investigation report.

The report, signed by six railway officials, including the train's driver, stated, "It appears that derailment occurred due to track fault." According to PTI, the cost of damage caused by the accident is estimated to be more than Rs 52 crore.

In the Wednesday night accident, the loco pilot was partially injured and his assistant was seriously injured.

The report also included a statement from the loco pilot, who stated that the train passed Raghunathpur station, near which the accident occurred, at a speed of 128 km per hour, but shortly after crossing the station section, it experienced a severe jolt at the rear end with excessive vibration, according to PTI. 

According to the preliminary report, the brake pipe pressure dropped suddenly as a result of the excessive vibration and the severe jolt, and the train derailed at 9:52 PM.

It also stated that a gateman and a pointsman at Raghunathpur station saw sparks coming from near the train's wheels.

According to the report, the loco pilot and his assistant passed a breathalyser test, as reported by PTI. 

On Wednesday night, the 12506 North East Express derailed near Raghunathpur in Bihar's Buxar district, killing at least four people and injuring several others.

Ambulances and doctors rushed to the scene immediately after the incident to begin relief efforts.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav issued a statement saying that the departments of disaster management and health have been directed to take immediate action in order to provide relief to as many people as possible as soon as possible.

At least 18 trains, including the Rajdhani Express between Delhi and Dibrugarh, have been diverted from the route.