The Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express (15904), traveling from Gonda Railway Station to Gorakhpur via Dibrugarh, experienced a major derailment. Fourteen coaches of the train derailed and overturned, with two AC coaches flipping into a water-filled ditch beside the tracks. The incident occurred between Motiganj and Jhilahi Bazaar near Pikoura village on the Gonda-Gorakhpur railway line. Tragically, two passengers died on the spot, and two others in critical condition were referred to Lucknow. A total of 31 passengers sustained injuries.
Initial Cause of the Accident
The preliminary investigation suggests that the derailment was caused by track settlement due to waterlogging on both sides of the track following heavy rain. The derailment caused approximately 500 meters of track to be torn up and damaged the electric lines.
Rescue Operations
Passengers were rescued by breaking the windows of the overturned coaches. District Magistrate (DM) Neha Sharma, Superintendent of Police (SP) Vineet Jaiswal, and other officials reached the site promptly to oversee rescue operations. The DM confirmed that the bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem, and injured passengers are receiving the best possible treatment. Local villagers also assisted in rescuing trapped passengers from the AC coaches.
Inspection by NER General Manager
General Manager of the North Eastern Railway (NER), Soumya Mathur, inspected the accident site. She confirmed the deaths of two passengers and reported that 31 passengers were injured, with two in critical condition. The injured have been admitted to various hospitals in Manakapur, Kazidever, and Gonda Medical College. An investigation into the accident has been ordered.
Diversion and Cancellation of Trains
Following the accident, two passenger trains were canceled, and the routes of 16 trains were diverted. Diverted trains are being rerouted via Ayodhya-Manakapur. This has caused significant inconvenience to passengers at Gonda Railway Station, with many Vaishno Devi pilgrims affected. Ticket cancellations have resulted in long queues at the ticket counters.
Helpline Numbers Released
NER Public Relations Officer Pankaj Kumar Singh announced helpline numbers for the affected passengers. The numbers are:
- Gonda: 8957400965
- Lucknow: 8957409292
- Siwan: 9026624251
- Chhapra: 8303979217
- Deoria Sadar: 8303098950
Additionally, the DM Gonda has released control room numbers: 05262-230125, 358560.
Operational Changes and Increased Vigilance
Following the accident, six trains will now operate via Balrampur, with enhanced vigilance at local railway stations. Trains including Gorakhpur-Bathinda Gorakhdham Express, Saharsa-New Delhi Vaishali Express, and Howrah-Kathgodam Bagh Express have been rerouted. Security measures at stations have been heightened, and medical teams are on standby to respond swiftly to any emergencies.
This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of track maintenance and prompt emergency response to ensure passenger safety.
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