The Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, leading to a tragic accident with four confirmed deaths and twenty injuries.
The derailment, involving multiple train compartments, is believed to have been triggered by the loco pilot hearing a blast before applying the emergency brakes. This sudden braking caused several compartments to go off the tracks. In response to the accident, the railway authorities have announced compensation: Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those severely injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
Emergency Brakes Due to Explosion?
Media reports indicate that the train driver heard a loud explosion before the derailment. During an inquiry by senior railway officials, the loco pilot revealed that he had heard a loud noise and, in reaction, applied the emergency brakes. The train was travelling at a significant speed, and the abrupt braking caused some compartments to derail. The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time.
Passengers Also Reported Hearing the Blast
A passenger on the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express also reported hearing an explosion. The passenger shared, “I was on my way to Hajipur… there was a small explosion before we felt a strong jolt, and our coach derailed. We were coming from Chandigarh…”
District Magistrate Dr. Neha Sharma confirmed that eight compartments of the train derailed and reported the death of four individuals. She stated that rescue and relief operations are ongoing, and all casualties and injured persons have been evacuated and are receiving treatment in hospitals.
Railway Announces Compensation
The railway ministry has announced compensation for the victims of the accident. In a statement, the ministry declared, “Rs 10 lakh will be given to the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 to those with minor injuries. In addition to the CRS investigation, a high-level inquiry has been ordered.”
Railway Diverts and Cancels Train Services
Pankaj Kumar Singh, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northeast Railway, reported that relief and rescue operations are being conducted at a war footing. Due to the derailment, the routes of the Katihar-Amritsar Express and the Guwahati-Srimata Vaishno Devi Katra Express have been altered, and several other trains have been diverted or cancelled.
Helpline Numbers Issued
The Railway Board has released several helpline numbers to assist those affected by the accident:
- Commercial Control: 9957555984
- Furketing (FKG): 9957555966
- Mariani (MXN): 6001882410
- Simlaguri (SLGR): 8789543798
- Tinsukia (NTSK): 9957555959
- Dibrugarh (DBRG): 9957555960
Mishaps or Planned Attacks?
In recent times, numerous train accidents have been averted due to intentional tampering with railway tracks. These incidents involved placing large stones, iron rods, and nails on the tracks. The vigilance of railway personnel has been crucial in preventing these potential disasters. Here is a detailed account of some such incidents:
Maharashtra Incident – October 6, 2023
On October 6, 2023, a train accident in Maharashtra was narrowly avoided. Railway officials discovered stones placed at several locations along the Pune-Mumbai railway track. An official confirmed that this was a deliberate attempt by mischievous individuals to derail the train. The railway staff, while inspecting the tracks, spotted the stones and took immediate action to remove them, thereby preventing a possible disaster.
Konkan Railway Incident – May 26, 2024
A potential disaster was averted on the Konkan Railway route near Udupi on May 26, 2024, thanks to the alertness of track maintainer Pradeep Shetty. At 2:25 am, Shetty noticed a track weld failure between Innanje and Padubidri. He promptly reported the defect to the concerned officials, preventing a potential train mishap. The defect was swiftly addressed, and by 5:58 am, a track-fit certificate was issued, allowing trains to run on the track with a speed restriction of 20 kmph.
Lucknow Incident – June 18, 2023
On June 17, 2023, a major train accident was averted in Lucknow. The Nilanchal Express was passing through Nigohan railway station when the tracks began to melt due to excessive heat. The loco pilot felt a jolt and immediately stopped the train, preventing a possible catastrophe.
Akurdi Incident – October 7, 2023
A significant railway mishap was prevented near Akurdi Railway Station on October 7, 2023, due to the alertness of railway guard Sandeep Bhalerao. During a routine track maintenance round, Bhalerao spotted boulders placed on the track. He promptly informed the deputy station manager at Chinchwad, who took immediate action to clear the obstruction.
Rajasthan Incident – October 2023
In October 2023, a major accident was averted when the operators of the Udaipur-Jaipur Vande Bharat Express noticed stones and iron rods on the railway track in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district. The train operators stopped the train immediately, using emergency brakes. The obstruction was found on the Gangarar-Soniyana section around 10 am, under the jurisdiction of SHO/Gangarar in Chittaurgarh district.
These incidents highlight the ongoing threat to Indian Railways from deliberate attempts to sabotage trains. The claims made by the driver in the recent attack are substantiated by this pattern of previous attempts to disrupt railway operations.
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