Express Train Derails Near Jalpaiguri; Causalities Feared
As many as 12 coaches of the Bikaner-Guwahati express train derailed near Jalpaiguri in West Bengal on Thursday.
As many as 12 coaches of the Bikaner-Guwahati express train derailed near Jalpaiguri in West Bengal on Thursday, raising fears of casualties.
The National Disaster Response Force rushed two teams to the site of the incident to rescue passengers feared trapped under the coaches, ANI reported.
Death toll from the accident has risen to five, with 45 others injured, PTI reported citing an unnamed official.
Death toll in Bikaner-Guwahati train accident goes up to five, 45 injured: Official. PNT
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 13, 2022
A high-level inquiry has been ordered by the North-East Frontier Railway, ANI quoted the railroad's chief public relations officer, Guneet Kaur, as saying. “Rescue operation is almost complete," Kaur told ANI. "Our teams have successfully rescued the affected passengers."
The Indian Railways has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh was announced to the kin of the deceased persons, ANI said. A sum of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 25,000 will be given to the severely injured and those sustaining minor injuries, respectively.
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
Prime Narendra Modi and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu expressed their condolences on Twitter. Modi said he has spoken to the union railway minister about the incident.
Spoke to Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation in the wake of the train accident in West Bengal. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2022
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.
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) January 13, 2022
ANI quoted Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as saying that he's spoken to his West Bengal counterpart about the incident, Mamata Banerjee.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke to Union Railway Minister & West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee regarding derailment of Bikaner-Guwahati Express near Jalpaiguri; WB CM assured assistance on the ground & will keep Assam Government updated on the ongoing situation
— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022
(file pic) pic.twitter.com/K027du8tYp