Four dead as several coaches of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derail in UP's Gonda; ex-gratia announced for victims' kin
PTC Web Desk: Several coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express train derailed in Pikaura, located between Gonda and Jhilahi in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, leaving four persons dead. As many as 25 passengers were injured. As per initial reports, at least four AC compartment coaches derailed a few km before reaching the Jhilahi railway station.
Rescue teams have been sent to the site for relief operations, with some passengers reportedly injured. Visuals from the scene show passengers standing by the tracks with their luggage, and videos reveal people looking for their belongings from the derailed coaches. One coach flipped onto its left side, with passengers seen standing on top of it.
A passenger onboard the train, who had a close shave, said "I had a close shave, glad to be safe."
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked officials to promptly reach the accident site and has directed the authorities to expedite relief efforts. He has also ordered timely medical treatment for the injured.
The Relief Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh, said one NDRF team each was sent from Lucknow and Balrampur to Gonda. At least five ambulances were deployed for rescue operations in the train accident and orders had been given to send more ambulances to the spot. First aid was being given to the injured, who are being shifted to hospital. SDRF teams had also been sent from three districts to expedite relief operations.
HELPLINE NUMBERS ISSUED
In regard with the derailment of 15904 Dibrugarh Express between Motiganj-Jhilahi in Lucknow division of North Eastern Railway, the helpline numbers issued by Ambala Division as as following:
Chandigarh Station Helpline: 0172-2639785
Ambala Control Office Helpline number: 0171-2610653
In regard with the derailment of 15904 Dibrugarh Express between Motiganj-Jhilahi in Lucknow division of North Eastern Railway, the helpline numbers are issued over Ambala Division. pic.twitter.com/7yasA6QlHm — DRM Ambala NR (@drm_umb) July 18, 2024
On the Dibrugarh-Chandigarh express derailment, Pankaj Singh, CPRO, North Eastern Railway says, "...medical van of the Railways has reached the spot and rescue operation has been started. Helpline numbers have been issued. It happened around 2.37 pm. As per initial info, four-five coaches derailed..."
Meanwhile, Assam CM Himanata Biswa Sarma's office said he was closely monitoring the situation. Taking to X, it said, “HCM Dr Himanta Biswa has been briefed about the derailment of Dibrugarh - Chandigarh express in Uttar Pradesh. HCM is monitoring the situation and the Government of Assam is in touch with relevant authorities.”
RELIEF ANNOUNCED
An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh has been announced for next of kin of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for critically injured and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries. Apart from the CRS enquiry, a high-level enquiry had also been ordered, said the Ministry of Railways
- With inputs from agencies
