Several coaches of Patna-Guwahati Bikaner Express derailed in north Bengal’s Maynaguri on Thursday. Three bodies have been recovered but more casualties are likely, officials said.
The incident took place near the Domohani region of Maynaguri, in Dooars.
“So far, we have recovered three bodies. Twelve persons are being rushed to the hospital. All the nearby hospitals have been asked to be prepared,” said Moumita Godara Basu, DM Jalpaiguri. Thirty ambulances have been rushed to the spot. North Bengal Medical College and Jalpaiguri sub-divisional hospital have been alerted.
“Prima facie, four coaches have been derailed. Rescue operations have started. Different teams are rushing to the spot,” said Divisional Railway Manager, Alipurduar, Dilip Kumar Singh.
Sources said that around 40 passengers have been rescued and taken to hospital. Indian Railways has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the immediate kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for those who sustained minor injuries.
Officials said a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident. Railways has also issued helpline numbers — 8134054999, 9002041951,9002041955, 03564255190, 03612731621/22/23 — for the passengers and their family members.
The train, which derailed around 5 pm, had 1,053 passengers onboard. The incident took place about 42 km away from New Jalpaiguri station.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. “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,” he tweeted.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said he is “personally monitoring the situation for swift rescue operations.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also said that the situation is being closely monitored. “Deeply concerned to hear about the tragic accident of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express in Maynaguri. 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,” Banerjee said in a tweet.
According to a source, the nearest hospital from the spot is at least 13-14 kilometres away, which is why authorities fear more casualties.
Darjeeling MP from BJP Raju Bista confirmed the three deaths, and said about 20 persons who are severely injured have been rushed to the hospital.
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar too took to Twitter to extend his condolences to the victims. His tweet read, “Sad to hear Bikaner Guwahati express derailed near Jalpaiguri with reports of deaths and casualties. Gathered that all agencies @RailMinIndia @RailNf @MamataOfficial are rendering full assistance and rescue operations are on and injured are being well attended.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he had been in touch with his West Bengal counterpart and the Union railway minister regarding the incident. “I spoke to Hon’ble West Bengal CM Smt @MamataOfficial ji to inquire about the Bikaner-Guwahati Express mishap. She 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 tweeted. He added that they were monitoring the situation and would offer all possible assistance.
Source: The Indian Express