National
Tragic Derailment of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in Uttar Pradesh
In a catastrophic incident, the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed, resulting in a heartbreaking loss of life and injuries. The derailment occurred at around 2:35 PM on July 18 in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh. Eight coaches of the train overturned, leading to the deaths of at least two individuals and injuring twenty others.
The Incident
Preliminary reports from Railway Ministry officials indicate that the loco pilot heard a loud explosion before the derailment. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. This tragic event has led to the cancellation of two trains and the diversion of eleven others.
Rescue Operations
A swift response saw a 40-member medical team and 15 ambulances dispatched to the scene. Additional medical teams are on their way to assist with the emergency. Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner G.S. Naveen Kumar confirmed that the injured are being transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Emergency helpline numbers have been established to provide information and support to families affected by the accident.
Witness Accounts
Passengers recount terrifying moments during the derailment. Sandeep Kumar, a passenger, described hearing a loud noise followed by the cries of a boy and a coach filling with dust. Manish Tiwari, another passenger, described being thrown against the roof of his coach by a powerful jerk. Dileep Singh, who was on an upper berth, was tossed across the coach by the force of the derailment.
Government Response
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that there have been no reported casualties from Assam. The government is closely monitoring the situation and has arranged for a special train to transport stranded passengers to Dibrugarh. High-level investigations have been ordered to determine the cause of the accident, with the Commissioner of Railway Safety leading the inquiry.
An ex-gratia compensation has been announced: ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for those with grievous injuries, and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.
Political Reactions
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized the Modi government, claiming it has jeopardized rail safety. Kharge emphasized the need for the immediate installation of the Kavach anti-collision system on all railway routes. Trinamool Congress leaders Mahua Moitra and Sushmita Dev have also held the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw accountable, demanding urgent safety measures.
Moving Forward
As rescue operations continue, the priority remains on saving lives and providing medical care to the injured. The Railway Ministry is working to restore normalcy and ensure the safe transportation of affected passengers. The tragic derailment has sparked a renewed call for enhanced railway safety measures across the country to prevent such incidents in the future.
Emergency Contact Information
For updates and assistance, the following helpline numbers are available:
- Gonda: 8957400965
- Lucknow: 8957409292
- Railway Board Helplines:
- Commercial Control: 9957555984
- Furkating (FKG): 9957555966
- Mariani (MXN): 6001882410
- Simalguri (SLGR): 8789543798
- Tinsukia (NTSK): 9957555959
- Dibrugarh (DBRG): 9957555960
Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
