Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express Derailment: 6 Dead and 100 Injured in Bihar Train Accident..
Chaos and Sorrow Unfold Near Raghunathpur Station
In a devastating turn of events, over 12 coaches of the Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express derailed near Bihar’s Buxar district. Reports confirm six passengers have lost their lives, with nearly 100 sustaining injuries. Railway sources revealed that more than a dozen train cars were affected.
Bihar CM Extends Support to Grieving Families
Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, has announced an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. The announcement came after 21 coaches of the North East Express met with the unfortunate derailment in Buxar.
Promises of Investigation and Condolences from Railway Minister
Train to ferry passengers for onward journey reached. Should start in a few minutes.
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) October 11, 2023
Now focusing on restoration.
Expressing condolences for the lives lost, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pledged a thorough investigation into the root cause of the derailment. He affirmed that evacuation and rescue operations were swiftly carried out, ensuring the safety of all passengers. The minister also praised the collective efforts of NDRF, SDRF, local residents, and officials involved in the rescue operation.
The Fateful Journey of North East Express
Departing from Delhi’s Anand Vihar terminal at 7:40 am, the 12506 North East Express was en route to Kamakhya, located approximately six kilometers from Guwahati. Tragically, the journey took an unexpected turn near Raghunathpur station in Bihar.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
#WATCH | Bihar: Morning visuals from the Raghunathpur station in Buxar, where 21 coaches of the North East Express train derailed last night
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2023
4 people died and several got injured in the incident. pic.twitter.com/aiZZOYpfCc
Local resident, Hari Pathak, recounted the horrifying moment. He stated that the train was moving at a regular pace when a loud noise and a plume of smoke disrupted the calm. Rushing to the scene, they discovered the derailment, with the AC coaches suffering the most damage.
Assessing the Aftermath
Jagdishpur SDPO Rajiv Chandra Singh shed light on the aftermath. Electric wires, poles, and rail tracks bore the brunt of the accident. Fortunately, none of the coaches overturned, resulting in fewer casualties. The technical team will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause.
A Tragic Incident with Minimal Scheduled Stoppage
Chief Public Relations Officer of East Central Railway zone, Birendra Kumar, reported that the derailment occurred less than 30 minutes after the train departed Buxar station en route to Ara. The tragic incident transpired near Raghunathpur station, an unscheduled stop.
Assam CM Offers Support and Monitoring
Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, assured his support and closely monitored the situation. He pledged to establish contact with local authorities and relevant agencies, ensuring a coordinated response.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Swiftly Responds
#WATCH | On North East Superfast train derailment, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav says, "The train which was going from Delhi to Kamakhya met with an accident near Buxar. I have spoken to the officials, DM and medical officers. Alert has been issued and security forces, NDRF, and… pic.twitter.com/GHrMew1bJD
— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2023
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Tejashwi Yadav, directed disaster management and health departments to swiftly mobilize relief efforts. He personally instructed district magistrates in Buxar and Bhojpur to expedite relief work. Medical teams at Sub-Divisional Hospital Jagdishpur and Shahpur Hospital in District Bhojpur stand ready for rescue and relief operations, while ambulances from Rohtas, Buxar, and Bhojpur districts are en route to the site.