Kolkata:
Two coaches of a metro train derailed near Central station during rush hour in Kolkata on Wednesday morning, triggering panic among hundreds of office-goers and disrupting services.
The cause of the derailment, which occurred at around 9.30 AM, is yet to be ascertained, Metro Railway sources here said. A departmental inquiry has been ordered into the derailment.
Though no passenger was injured, some people complained of uneasiness as lights went off inside the compartments immediately after the derailment, police sources said.
A passenger was taken ill and was treated at the Medical College Hospital, they said.
Panic-stricken passengers, who were evacuated through the driver's cabin door by the police and fire brigade personnel, protested over frequent snags in the metro rail services in the city.
Metro Railway sources said railway staff and RPF personnel also lent a helping hand in evacuating the passengers.
"No major accident has ever taken place on the Metro. This kind of derailment has taken place for the first time. Enquiry committee to look into the reasons for accident," said Ravi Mahapatra, Chief Public Relations Officer, Kolkata Metro.
Services were maintained between Maidan and Kabi Subhas station and arrangements were being made to resume service between Dum Dum and Girish Park station.
On October 12, Sobhabazar station of the Metro Railway was ransacked by passengers who were angry over the malfunctioning of train doors and consequent delay in the services. (With NDTV inputs)