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- Published: January 13, 2022 17:52
New Delhi: Four people were killed and about 50 were injured when 12 coaches of Bikaner-Guwahati Express in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district derailed near Domohani in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district on Thursday, an official said.
“A total of 12 coaches were derailed, 4 casualties reported and over 50 injured who have been hospitalized. Two NDRF teams at the spot for rescue and relief,” Atul Karwal, Director-General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) told ANI.
NDRF has rushed two teams to rescue passengers trapped after the Guwahati-Bikaner Express (15633) derailed around 5 pm in an area under Alipurduar division of Northeast Frontier Railway. There were about 1053 passengers on board the train at the time of the derailment at the location.
Rescue operation is almost complete. Our teams have successfully rescued the affected passengers: Guneet Kaur, Chief PRO, North-East Frontier Railway pic.twitter.com/yh20QBsEX0
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
The location is about 42 kilometers away from New Jalpaiguri station and about 100 kms away from New Alipurduar station. As per initial information, about 12 coaches got derailed of which two capsized.
The injured have been taken to Jalpaigudi District Hospital and New Moinagudi district hospital.
Terming the the derailment of the passenger train “distressing”, President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday wished for the speedy recovery of injured passengers.
“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 a speedy recovery to the injured,” the President of India tweeted.
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.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 13, 2022
Meanwhile, Indian Railways announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the family members of people who lost their lives in the incident, Rs 1 lakh for the severely injured and Rs 25,000 for those with minor injuries. A High-level Commissioner Railway Safety enquiry has been ordered in the accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation.
“Spoke to Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw 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.
Spoke to Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw 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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2022
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also tweeted: “The loss of lives due to a train accident in North West Bengal is tragic. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover at the earliest.”
“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,” the Vice President of India said in a tweet.
Following the incident, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that he is rushing to the accident site tomorrow morning and will take stock of 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: Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pic.twitter.com/4GISLXYIzr
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
Many Assam passengers were also there in the train which derailed in West Bengal today.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that he has spoken to West Bengal chief minister to enquire about the mishap.
“I spoke to Hon’ble West Bengal CM Smt @MamataOfficialji to inquire about the Bikaner-Guwahati Express mishap. She assured us to provide all help and assistance on the ground and also keep us posted on the ongoing situation. I thank her for offering all her support to the victims,” Sarma said in a tweet.
Indian Railways has issued helpline numbers
03612731622, 03612731623,
03564 255190, 050 34666
0361-273162, 2731622, 2731623
UPDATES:
#UPDATE | Guwahati-Bikaner derailment: Accident of train no 15633 in Alipurduar Division Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
Helplines numbers:
1. Patna junction – 9341506016
2. Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn- 7388898100
3. Danapur 7759070004
4. Sonpur 9771429999— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
#UPDATE | Guwahati-Bikaner derailment | About 30 – 35 ambulances reached the spot around 5:30 pm. All injured taken to hospital. Rescue work almost complete: Indian Railway official
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
Injured will receive medical attention, DM/SP/IG supervising rescue and relief in Bikaner-Guwahati Express accident: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee pic.twitter.com/sfybicCyQz
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
Three dead in Bikaner-Guwahati Express train accident in West Bengal: Officials
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 13, 2022
Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailed near Domohani (West Bengal), this evening. No report of any casualties. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/7q02rbW7T1
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
#UPDATE | Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailment | “Following a sudden jerk several bogies overturned. There are casualties…,” a passenger claims pic.twitter.com/kZYGFpnXWo
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
This is a developing story