At least five people were killed and 45 injured when 12 coaches of Bikaner-Guwahati Express train derailed and overturned near Dohomoni in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district on Thursday, officials said.
Visuals of the incident showed a number of coaches lying sideways down the elevated tracks as rescue workers were seen trying to extricate the passengers.
The accident occurred around 5 p.m. in an area under Alipurduar division of Northeast Frontier Railway, an NFR spokesperson said in Guwahati.
The accident occurred more than 90 km from Alipurduar Junction, he added.
"An accident relief train with a medical team is on way to the spot. We are awaiting further details," the spokesperson said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in the middle of a meeting with chief ministers to review the COVID-19 situation, inquired West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee about the accident. Ms Banerjee, who had spoken to the Jalpaiguri district magistrate, briefed the the prime minister about the relief and rescue operations.
According to railway officials, since the accident occurred on the main line, all train movement towards Guwahati has been halted for the time being.
Here are Highlights on Guwahati-Bikaner Express Derailment:
Bikaner-Guwahati Derailment, West Bengal | Over 200 BSF personnel from the nearest camp reached the spot to carry out the rescue operation.
- ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
(Source: BSF) pic.twitter.com/i1OJ9N0Lkv
Bikaner-Guwahati derailment, West Bengal | Latest visuals of the rescue operation at the site. pic.twitter.com/uCMRbB9ApN
- ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
I'm leaving for the accident spot. Rescue teams are already there. Ex-gratia has also been announced and we will fulfil all of our duties: Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pic.twitter.com/4GISLXYIzr
- ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
Accident occurred around 5 pm b/w Domohani & New Maynaguri. Around 10 coaches affected. 3 dead, 20 injured; 5 lakh for deceased, Rs 1 lakh for severely injured, Rs 25,000 for minor injuries. High-level inquiry ordered: Guneet Kaur, Chief PRO, North-East Frontier Railway, Guwahati pic.twitter.com/wCaGBA9M66
- ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
#UPDATE | 3 deaths and 20 injured in the Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailment in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal: Indian Railways https://t.co/L1J3UGmFst
- ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
Deeply concerned to hear about the tragic accident of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express in Maynaguri.
- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 13, 2022
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.
#UPDATE | Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailment | "Following a sudden jerk several bogies overturned. There are casualties...," a passenger claims pic.twitter.com/kZYGFpnXWo
- ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailed near Domohani (West Bengal), this evening. No report of any casualties. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/7q02rbW7T1
- ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
