The driver of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express claimed that he heard a loud explosion right before several coaches of the train derailed in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda on Thursday. However, DGP Prashant Kumar said there was no explosion in the train accident.
At least three people have lost their lives in the incident while multiple injuries have also been reported. Medical and emergency teams are on-site.
‘Narrow Escape’: Man Standing Beside Derailed Coaches Recalls Moments Before Coaches Came Off Track In UP’s Gonda
The driver further said that he had to apply emergency brakes because he heard an explosion in the background, according to government sources.
#WATCH | Gonda Train Derailment | A passenger travelling in the Dibrugarh-Chandigarh Express claims, “I had to go to Hajipur… There was a mild explosion (before the incident) and after that a strong jolt was felt and our coach derailed. We were coming from Chandigarh…” pic.twitter.com/ytD0UhSfWB— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2024
One of the passengers who was present on the train at the time accident also said that there was an explosion before the mishap. “I had to go to Hajipur. There was a mild explosion (before the incident) and after that a strong jolt was felt and our coach derailed. We were coming from Chandigarh,” said the passenger.
Eight Coaches of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express Derail
At least eight coaches of the passenger train 15904 en route to Dibrugarh derailed between Motiganj and Jhilahi railway stations. As many as two people died while several others sustained injuries.
A 40-member medical team and 15 ambulances are at the spot and more medical teams and ambulances are being rushed there, Relief Commissioner Kumar said.
Senior railway and local administration officials are at the spot, about 150 km from Lucknow, to oversee rescue operations.
Deputy Chief Minister Pathak said that currently, their priority is to save the lives of the injured and give them the best treatment.
CM Yogi Adityanath Reviews Situation
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the incident and directed the local administration to assist the affected passengers. The chief minister has asked the officials to ensure proper medical treatment of the passengers injured in the accident.
A high-level probe was ordered and compensation of Rs 10 lakh each will be provided to the families of those the victims while Rs 2.5 lakh each will be given to those with serious injuries.
Those who suffered minor injuries in the train accident will receive Rs 50,000 each from the government.
Relief Operations Begin
According to the relief commissioner’s office, the helpline numbers- Gonda: 8957400965, Lucknow: 8957409292 have been started.
The Indian Railways has started the relief operation and medical vans have reached the accident site.
The Railway Board has issued the following helpline numbers – Commercial Control: 9957555984, Furkating (FKG): 9957555966, Mariani (MXN): 6001882410, Simalguri (SLGR): 8789543798, Tinsukia (NTSK): 9957555959, Dibrugarh (DBRG): 9957555960.
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