‘Train Accident in jalpaiguri’
Thursday ended on yet another tragic note as twelve coaches of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express Train Accident derailed in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri around 5pm, claiming six lives and forty five passengers, who can check this out to know more about their services,
were left injured.
The Accident
The accident occurred at Domahani in Mainaguri area of Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. The derailment severely damaged the coaches of the train causing a havoc. Owing to the intensity of the massive jerk, a partially crippled compartment toppled on top of another and bogies, too have overturned. As a result of this, many passengers were dislodged out of the train. “We felt a sudden shock. We were all rocking violently and luggage kept on upper berths tumbled all around,” said a passenger, recalling the horror. Check out more work related car accidents on Tingey Injury Law Firm’s website.
Casualties
The Bikaner-Guwahati express is said to have been carrying 12,000 passengers, out of which 308 boarded the train from Bikaner. As per the reports of West Bengal government, at least 50 injured were rescued and around 10 passengers were taken to Mainaguri hospital as they had been critically injured. “We recovered three bodies from the accident site while two people died in hospital,” Jalpaiguri District Magistrate Moumita Godara Basu said. It is also expected that the death toll may rise as some of the injured are in critical condition.
Rescue Operation
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rushed two teams to rescue passengers. Ambulances also arrived at the spot. TV footage showed several coaches lying sideways down the elevated track as rescue workers tried to extricate the passengers trapped under the debris. Many passengers are expected to be stuck inside the derailed coaches and gas cutters are being used to cut open the mangled coaches, according to Railway sources. The local residents of the area also gathered at the spot to lend a helping hand. As the accident occurred by the time of sunset, soon darkness and dense fog engulfed the spot that made the rescue operation a bit challenging. However, arrangements mere made illuminating the area so that rescue operation could be continued. Rescue trains were also sent to the spot to ferry the passengers to a safe place.
Relief and compensation
The Indian Railway authorities has announced Rs 5 Lakh ex-gratia for those killed, Rs 1 lakh for the severely injured and Rs 25,000 for passengers who suffered minor injures.
Cause of the accident
A high level safety inquiry committee was formed to look into the affair. A day later inquiry started and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Preliminary inquiry shows there was a glitch in locomotive equipment. The Commission of Rail Safety is conducting an inquiry to find the root cause behind the accident”
West Bengal’s Chief Minister’s Statement
West Bengal Chief minister immediately took notice of the accident as the report reached her. While she was informed of the accident, she was attending a meeting with Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on the current COVID situation. As soon as she was informed she left the meeting with the permission of Narendra Modi. Taking to Twitter, the West Bengal CM said, “Deeply concerned to hear about the tragic accident of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express in Maynaguri. Senior Officers of the State Government, DM/SP/IG North Bengal are supervising rescue and relief operations.”
“Those injured will receive medical attention, as early as possible. The situation is being closely monitored from the State HQs,” Banerjee further tweeted.
Prime Minister and others expressed grief
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and spoke to the Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw. He tweeted, “My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly,” PM Modi tweeted.
Amit Shah expressing his sympathy said, Anguished to learn about the loss of lives due to a tragic rail accident in West Bengal. My deepest condolences with the bereaved families. For the speedy recovery of those injured”.Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu shared the grief and said, Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the derailment of Bikaner-Guwahati Express in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”