4 dead, 70 injured as Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express derails near Bihar’s Buxar

4 dead, 70 injured as Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express derails near Bihar’s Buxar

A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday night as at least four passengers lost their lives and 70 others sustained injuries when six coaches of the Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express derailed near the Raghunathpur station in Bihar’s Buxar district. The derailment took place at 9:53 pm, and the severity of the accident was evident as at least two AC III Tier coaches had toppled over, while four other coaches had jumped off the tracks, as shown in television visuals.

Buxar Superintendent of Police, Manish Kumar, confirmed the loss of four lives in this unfortunate accident. Meanwhile, an official from the Railway Police Force reported that a minimum of 70 passengers had suffered injuries and were promptly transferred to local hospitals for medical attention. Those with more severe injuries were immediately rushed to AIIMS, Patna, for specialized care. Incidents like this underscore the importance of railway safety measures and the need for ongoing efforts to prevent such tragic accidents in the future.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has expressed his commitment to uncovering the root cause of the derailment of the North East Express. In his statement, he extended his condolences for the tragic loss of lives in this unfortunate incident. He confirmed that the evacuation and rescue operations have been successfully completed, and all coaches involved in the derailment have been thoroughly examined to assess the extent of the damage.

The 23-coach 12506 North East Express embarked on its journey from the Anand Vihar terminal in Delhi at 7:40 am on Wednesday, destined for a nearly 33-hour journey to Kamakhya, situated about six kilometers away from Guwahati.

An eyewitness, Hari Pathak, described the event, stating that the train was traveling at a normal speed when a sudden, loud sound was heard, accompanied by a plume of smoke rising from the train. On investigation, it became apparent that the train had derailed, with the AC coaches sustaining the most damage. This incident highlights the urgency of understanding the causes of such accidents to prevent their recurrence in the future and improve rail safety.

Television reports provided a harrowing glimpse of the disaster scene, with local residents swiftly coming to the aid of passengers who were trapped in at least two of the overturned coaches. Their courageous efforts involved helping the passengers escape from the wreckage. Among the passengers, one woman was notably in a state of shock, and she was assisted by compassionate locals.

The visuals also depicted the presence of several police officials who played an active role in the rescue efforts, working tirelessly to assist passengers in need.

According to the Chief Public Relations Officer of the East Central Railway zone, Birendra Kumar, the accident unfolded less than half an hour after the train had departed from Buxar station, en route to its destination in Ara. The prompt and heroic response of the locals and the assistance of law enforcement officials were instrumental in mitigating the severity of the incident and ensuring that passengers received the help they urgently required during this distressing event.

The Railway Ministry spokesperson mentioned that the derailment occurred in the vicinity of Raghunathpur station, a location where the train does not have a scheduled stoppage. This emphasizes the unpredictability of such accidents, as they can happen even in sections of the track without designated stops.

After the derailment, relief measures were promptly initiated, demonstrating the swift response of emergency services. Ambulances and medical personnel were dispatched to the site to provide urgent medical attention to the injured passengers.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav expressed concern and issued a statement in response to the tragic incident. He instructed the departments of disaster management and health to take immediate action to provide the fastest possible relief to as many affected individuals as possible. This reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that those affected by the accident receive the necessary assistance and support during this challenging time.

The government has taken significant steps to manage the situation and provide assistance to the affected passengers in the aftermath of the train derailment. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav stated that he had communicated with the district magistrates of Buxar and Bhojpur, with clear instructions to reach the accident site promptly and expedite relief efforts. This immediate response reflects the government’s commitment to helping those impacted by the incident.

To address the needs of the passengers affected by the derailment, railway officials have put alternative arrangements in place. A scratch rake, which has a configuration similar to the original train, was dispatched from Patna to transport passengers from the accident site. Additionally, six buses were deployed to evacuate passengers safely from the scene, and another rake was arranged from Ara to assist stranded passengers in continuing their onward journeys.

Medical teams were swiftly dispatched to provide necessary medical attention to the injured, and the district administration in Buxar town alerted local hospitals to be prepared to receive those requiring medical care.

The railways also established emergency helpline numbers to assist passengers. These helpline numbers are 9771449971 (Patna), 8905697493 (Danapur), 8306182542 (Ara), 8306182542, and 7759070004, ensuring that passengers could seek assistance and information.

In addition, war rooms have been set up to closely monitor the situation and facilitate the early restoration of the derailed coaches. Ongoing rescue operations have been described as operating at full capacity, with a dedicated focus on passenger safety and well-being.

The incident’s impact on train operations is significant, with at least 18 trains on the route, including the Rajdhani Express running between Delhi and Dibrugarh, being diverted to manage the situation and ensure passenger safety.