In the early hours of July 30, a tragic train derailment claimed the lives of two passengers and left over 20 others injured when the Howrah-CSMT Express derailed near Chakradharpur. The accident occurred around 3:45 am between Rajkharswan West Outer and Barabamboo in the Chakradharpur division.
#WATCH | Jharkhand: Train No. 12810 Howara-CSMT Express derailed near Chakradharpur, between Rajkharswan West Outer and Barabamboo in Chakradharpur division at around 3:45 am.
Two people have lost their lives so far.
(Visuals from the spot) pic.twitter.com/zYvhUHI9cV
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
Md. Rehan, Train Manager of the South Eastern Railway, explained that the derailment was caused by a goods train that had previously derailed on the downline. As the Howrah-CSMT Express, traveling at 120 kmph, approached the site, it was unable to avoid the affected tracks, leading to the derailment. “Around 3:39 am, the train got derailed and many people got injured in the incident… The incident happened as a goods train had already derailed in the downline and Howrah-CSMT Express was moving at 120 kmph… The upline is affected,” Rehan stated.
#WATCH | Jharkhand Train derail |Train Manager South Eastern Railway, Md. Rehan says, "Around 3.39 am, the train got derailed and many people got injured in the incident…The incident happened as a Goods Train had already derailed in the downline and Howrah-CSMT Express was… pic.twitter.com/Vz92dNoFxj
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
Following the derailment, a swift response was initiated by the Indian Railways. Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) and staff, along with the Additional Divisional Railway Managers (ADRM) from Chakradharpur Railway Station, arrived at the site to manage the situation. The railway medical team provided first aid to all the injured passengers.
Approximately 80 percent of the passengers were transshipped to Chakradharpur station by bus, ensuring their safety and comfort. Additionally, a rescue train was dispatched to clear the remaining passengers, who were then transported to Chakradharpur Railway Station (CKP).
Jharkhand train derailment | 80 percent of passengers transshipped to Chakardharpur station by bus. One rescue train also reached at site to clear the rest of the passengers. Passengers arrived at CKP Railway station (Chakardharpur): Indian Railways
(Pics: Indian Railways) pic.twitter.com/fKO8WG1GgF
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
Indian Railways set up help desks at various locations to assist passengers and their families. At Howrah Railway Station, a dedicated help desk was established to provide information and support. The following helpline numbers were issued by Indian Railways for assistance:
#WATCH | Jharkhand Train derail | Howrah, West Bengal: A help desk has been set up at Howrah Railway Station after train No. 12810 Howara-CSMT Express derailed near Chakradharpur, between Rajkharswan West Outer and Barabamboo in Chakradharpur division at around 3:45 am. pic.twitter.com/RGdFOWB7BV
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
- Tatanagar: 06572290324
- Chakradharpur: 06587 238072
- Rourkela: 06612501072, 06612500244
- Howrah: 9433357920, 03326382217
- Ranchi: 0651-27-87115
- HWH Help Desk: 033-26382217, 9433357920
- SHM Help Desk: 6295531471, 7595074427
- KGP Help Desk: 03222-293764
- CSMT Helpline: Auto no 55993, P&T 022-22694040
- Mumbai: 022-22694040
- Nagpur: 7757912790
The Indian Railways reported that all injured passengers received immediate first aid from the railway medical team. Additional arrangements were made for the stranded passengers, with extra trains organised at Chakradharpur station to facilitate their onward journey.
Passengers recounted the terrifying moments during and after the derailment. One survivor, Rajesh Kumar, who was traveling in the B4 coach, said, “We were jolted awake by a loud noise and violent shaking. People were screaming, and there was chaos everywhere. It was a terrifying experience.”
#UPDATE | Jharkhand train derail | One passenger travelling in the B4 coach of Mumbai Howrah Mail has died. One more passenger is reported to be trapped in the B4 coach and rescue of same is underway: Information and Public Relations Department, Jharkhand https://t.co/Jmutbyk1pW
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
Another passenger, Anjali Gupta, described the swift response from the railway staff, “The rescue team arrived quickly and helped us out of the derailed coaches. We were given first aid and transported to the station. The railway staff were very supportive during this difficult time.”
The Indian Railways has announced an inquiry into the cause of the derailment. Preliminary reports suggest that the derailment of the goods train on the downline might have compromised the integrity of the tracks, leading to the subsequent derailment of the Howrah-CSMT Express. The investigation will aim to identify any lapses in safety protocols and ensure that corrective measures are implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the relief and rescue operations continue, further details are awaited. The Indian Railways is expected to provide updates as the situation develops and more information becomes available.
The local administration and railway authorities have expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged support to the injured. Jharkhand’s Information and Public Relations Department confirmed the ongoing rescue efforts and assured that all necessary assistance is being provided to the affected passengers.
